Any claims on languages should prioritise Bahasa Melayu as the national language

ANY claims that lead to religious, racial and ethnic sensitivities must take into account the position of the national language in the country's Constitution, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said that as Prime Minister, the principle contained in the Federal Constitution regarding the position of Bahasa Melayu will continue to be defended and supported.

"Lately, there have been various demands regarding language, some want to emphasise English, some want recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).

“I want to explain this, this is Malaysia. The Malay language is the official language and must be elevated as the language of knowledge that is mastered by all Malaysians,” he said as reported by Bernama.

Anwar, who is also the Minister of Finance, said the dignity of the Malay language must be elevated in accordance with its position in the country's Constitution and its mastery must be strengthened among the people.

He said that if the principles and issues have been implemented, then only proposals to strengthen the mastery of other languages and recognition of UEC can be put forward.

“If this is clear, to raise the issue of the need to increase the use of English, I agree. But Bahasa Melayu, the language of new technology, the language of AI (artificial intelligence), the language for knowledge, must be strengthened and the mastery of that language must be good among all the people.

"All streams. I don't care about Chinese, Tamil, English, they must master the Malay language and this is also the condition we impose on international schools. They can use English as a medium but they must pass and master Bahasa Melayu," he said.

Anwar said any proposal that focuses on one language or one race and leaves out the discussion on the country's main language is seen as leading to problems.

Therefore, the Prime Minister reminded any party that submits proposals on matters related to language, must comply with the principles of the Constitution with priority being the mastery of Bahasa Melayu.

Earlier, DAP deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming was reported to have said that the party would meet with the Prime Minister regarding the recognition of UEC.

Federal and Selangor Governments Greenlight Port Klang Terminal 3 Project on Carey Island

Meanwhile, the Federal and Selangor state governments have reached an agreement to advance the long-planned development of Port Klang’s Terminal 3 on Carey Island, with Anwar emphasising that construction should proceed “as soon as possible” while ensuring the protection of the orang asli, coastal communities, local fishermen, and the surrounding ecosystem.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Anwar highlighted that the project — envisioned as a significant expansion to enhance Port Klang’s capacity — had been under discussion for years and should no longer be delayed.

“Federal and state leaders have reached a consensus to move this project forward as a strategic investment that can bolster Malaysia’s economic competitiveness and generate new opportunities for nearby communities,” he said.

He added that all relevant agencies had been instructed to act swiftly to ensure the project becomes a benchmark for “efficient, coordinated and high-integrity development.”

Anwar stressed that rapid economic growth should not come at the expense of vulnerable groups or the environment.

“The interests of the Orang Asli, local communities, fishermen, and the sustainability of the ecosystem will continue to be protected,” he said.

“National development must go hand in hand with social justice and responsibility towards nature, because that is where true and lasting progress lies.”

Terminal 3, as the project is commonly referred to, forms part of a broader plan to expand Port Klang, already one of the region’s busiest container ports.

The proposed development on Carey Island, south of the port, has been under consideration for nearly a decade as a long-term solution to alleviate capacity constraints at Westports and Northport.

Preliminary studies have earmarked Carey Island for new deep-water berths, logistics zones, and industrial support facilities, with the Selangor government identifying nearly 1,700 hectares of coastal and offshore land to anchor the expansion.

While no official timeline has been announced, officials have indicated that groundwork could begin under the upcoming Malaysia Plan cycle, pending completion of technical studies and Cabinet approval.

The project is being positioned as a model for balanced economic development that harmonises national growth, community welfare, and environmental sustainability. - December 12, 2025