Preliminary-Blueprint-Eng

4-7
lANguAge
The Ministry will aim to develop students who are operationally
proficient in Bahasa Malaysia and the English language. Measures
taken will include:
▪ Using one Bahasa Malaysia curriculum and assessment
standard across all schools;
▪ Introducing LINUS 2.0 with an expanded scope to address
English language literacy;
▪ Strengthening the delivery of English language lessons, for
example via the Oral Proficiency in English language for
Secondary School (OPS English) Programme or “set” teaching
where students are grouped based on their skill level;
▪ Intensifying testing and upskilling of all English language subject
teachers;
▪ Introducing Bahasa Malaysia and English language remedial
interventions and support for students who struggle to keep up;
and
▪ Providing access to learning an additional language at primary
and secondary level.
In addition to equipping students with a means to communicate,
languages provide students with a medium to absorb other knowledge
such as Mathematics, Science, History and Geography. Malaysia’s
language policy has three goals:
▪ Foster a unique shared identity between Malaysians anchored in the
ability to be proficient in the national language, Bahasa Malaysia;
▪ Develop individuals that are equipped to work in a globalised
economy where the English language is the international language
of communication; and
▪ Provide opportunities for students to learn an additional language.
Malaysia is blessed with a multicultural heritage. While Bahasa
Malaysia is the national language spoken by all communities, Chinese,
Indian, and other minority communities retain deep knowledge and
active usage of their languages. Additionally, the English language is an
active language largely used in many parts of Malaysian professional
and social life. This makes the country well-positioned to develop a
nation of people who are at least “operationally proficient” in more
than one language. Operational proficiency is defined by the Common
European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as the
linguistic fluency required to participate fully in professional and
academic life (Exhibit 4-5).
As the world grows more connected and competitive than it has
ever been before, it is imperative that Malaysia capitalises on its
inherent advantages to strengthen its position in the global economy.
Neighbouring Asian education systems in China, South Korea, and
Singapore are increasingly focused on developing students that are
proficient in their national language, and the English language to
maximise their employability in the global workforce. Malaysia needs
to develop a similar employee value proposition.
Proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia will remain the cornerstone of
Malaysia’s language policy and focus will be on ensuring that students
across all ethnic groups are universally able to learn and converse
effectively in the national language. Additionally, exposure to the
English language will be increased and the quality of English language
teaching will be raised. In parallel, in recognition of the social and
economic value of multiculturalism, steps will be taken to strengthen
access to and availability of Chinese language, Tamil, Arabic and other
leading global languages as subjects. This language policy is already
reflected in the schooling system, where all students learn Bahasa
Malaysia and English language and many students learn additional
languages.
The aspiration of the education system is to create students that are
at least operationally proficient in both Bahasa Malaysia and English.
All students will also be encouraged to learn an additional language to
independent proficiency. As defined by CEFR, independent proficiency
indicates the ability to hold one’s own in social discourse. By 2025, the
Ministry aims to meet the following targets:
▪ 90% students achieve a minimum credit in Bahasa Malaysia at SPM
level;
▪ 70% students achieve Cambridge 1119-equivalent minimum credit
in English at SPM level; and
▪ 30% students achieve independent proficiency in an additional
language.