Written by: Su Xiang-xin 2007/06/29

　　Recently, high-ranking officials have been frequently alluding on and off to Mandarin, trying to start a national movement in learning Chinese. They try to appeal to the Malays not of Chinese ethnicity, which accounts for over 60% of the population, to take initiative and learn Mandarin.
　　Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi declares: “Mandarin is not just for the Chinese in Malaysia anymore. To have a firm grasp on Mandarin is a competitive advantage.” Deputy Prime Minister Najib Rajak addressed 1000 people in public two days ago, appealing to the Malay people to learn Mandarin. Former Director-General of Education, Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Arshad, has introduced Mandarin learning into local elementary schools—Mandarin is a prominent language in the world today.
　　 With previous history of displeasure from the Malay Chinese over the overnumbering amount of local Malay students, the Malay Chinese were further disheartened when Mandarin lessons were introduced in elementary schools. To them, this implied that the original, authentic Mandarin elementary schools managed under the Malay Chinese would be stripped of its historical vestige and roots. Former Director-General of Education, Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Arshad, hurried to explain: Mandarin learning is not conducted as a threat to the Malay Chinese. However, there is no denying that Mandarin cannot be ignored from now on.
　　The effects of Mandarin on developing countries (Malaysia and China) is evident in the editorial “Strengthening China-Malaysia Relations Starts with Mandarin Education” published a few days ago. Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi reiterated in an insightful observation of the future: Mandarin is the language of a country with forward economy and culture. This means that Malaysia cannot ignore China, an economically progressive and culturally rich country, and must follow in its footsteps. It also means that in order for Malaysia to become such a country, learning Mandarin is essential.
　　Malaysia is proud of the fact that it is the country most developed in Mandarin outside Greater China. Malaysia has remained fixated on Mandarin for hundred of years despite the actions of neighboring countries, such as Singapore and Indonesia, who have terminated or discontinued Mandarin education after a certain period. Its perseverance has paid off as China’s star has been on the rise, making Malaysia the envy of countries in Asia. As the editorial in Sin Chew Daily pointed out, this linguistic advantage has strengthened relationships between the two countries, making Malaysia one of China’s most valuable partner. Naturally, seeing how beneficial Mandarin is to Malaysia’s growth, the Prime Minister intends to supply and perfect the skill in all his people.