KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians who refuse to accept Bahasa Melayu (BM) as the national language are better off living elsewhere, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim said today (Jan 19).
He emphasised the importance of strengthening the national education system, describing it as crucial for nation-building, shaping national identity, and safeguarding Malaysia’s future.
Sultan Ibrahim said any proposed education system must comply with the national education policy, with BM remaining the main language.
“Any motion to recognise alternative education systems must accept BM and Malaysia’s history.
“If there are those who do not accept BM, it is better that they do not live in Malaysia,” FMT quoted him as saying during the opening of the 2026 parliamentary session.
The remarks echo comments made last month by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who stressed that while parties may advocate other languages, BM must be upheld and mastered by all Malaysians.
The statement comes amid renewed debates over the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), a school-leaving qualification for students in Chinese independent schools.
Recognition of the UEC for entry into public universities and the federal civil service has long been contentious due to concerns over graduates’ command of BM.
However, the UEC is already accepted in Sarawak for entry into state universities and civil service positions.
