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International Mother Language Day: Interview with H.E. Fadhlina Sidek

As the world celebrated the Silver Jubilee of International Mother Language Day on 21 February, an event at UNESCO Headquarters reflected on the vital role that languages play in education, cultural identity, and social inclusion. With linguistic diversity under growing threat, ensuring that all individuals can learn and express themselves in their mother tongue is more urgent than ever. In this interview, we explore these themes with H.E. Fadhlina Sidek, Malaysian Minister of Education, whose insights highlight the significance of multilingualism in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future in Malaysia.
Malaysia H E Minister Fadhilina Sidek

What is the status of multilingual education in Malaysia? Any language in education policies that can be noted?

Multilingual education in Malaysia embodies the nation鈥檚 rich tapestry of cultures and languages, celebrating the beauty of diversity and unity. The system adheres to the principles of mother tongue-based multilingual education, emphasizing Malay as the national language and English as a second language, while also embracing the use of mother tongues such as Iban, Kadazandusun, Mandarin, Semai, and Tamil.

Malaysia offers two types of schools: national schools, where Malay is the main medium of instruction, and national-type schools (vernacular schools), where Mandarin or Tamil is used at the primary level. At the secondary level, students can study their mother tongues and international languages such as Arabic, French, German, Japanese, and Korean, as elective subjects.

Furthermore, the 鈥淩emove Class鈥 programme assists students in enhancing their Malay proficiency prior to transitioning from primary to secondary schools. These policies ensure that students preserve strong cultural ties while fostering national unity and preparing them for a multilingual global environment. By embracing linguistic diversity, Malaysia鈥檚 education system cultivates both cultural identity and academic excellence, equipping students for future opportunities.

What are the main levers to creating a successful multilingual education system?

A successful multilingual education system in Malaysia relies on key factors, including adequate resources, strategic planning and research into the feasibility of incorporating minority languages in education. It is essential to evaluate the vitality of these languages and invest in studies to assess the country鈥檚 readiness for multilingual programmes. Malaysia maintains Malay as the national language, bolsters English, and supports vernacular schools while integrating ethnic and international languages into the curriculum. Government policies, a multilingual curriculum, and teacher training promote language proficiency, while parental and community engagement enriches the learning experience, creating an inviting atmosphere and extracurricular activities that celebrate language and culture fosters unity and respect. By embracing these elements, Malaysia aims to enhance a vibrant multilingual education system that empowers students and preserves its linguistic heritage.

What are promising practices that have been undertaken and could be scaled up? Or adapted to other country contexts?

Malaysia's multilingual education fosters cultural integration and mutual respect among its diverse ethnic groups. The Federal Constitution establishes Malay as the national language while granting individuals the freedom to use, teach, and learn other languages, except for official purposes. The government has the responsibility to preserve and support the languages spoken by various communities in Malaysia. This approach enhances the use of Malay, English, and native languages to promote cultural understanding. 

Instruction in students' mother tongues enhances engagement by utilizing their native languages. Reference materials in schools are made available in Indigenous languages such as Iban, Kadazandusun, and Semai. Furthermore, implementing the Dual Language Programme promotes proficiency in Malay and English for a more global experience. 

Additionally, teacher training is designed to prepare them for multilingual environments, emphasising investing in digital tools for personalised learning. Malaysia has committed to ensuring high-quality pre-service training for all language teachers, supplying adequately trained educators to teach languages in schools, and providing the necessary resources to support effective language teaching and learning. These initiatives collectively underscore the remarkable potential of multilingual education in promoting diversity and inclusion.