 ESU Malaysia - Press Release
Tuesday, 8 October 2002
UNION OUT TO IMPROVE ENGLISH USAGE
Kuala Lumpur: A spokesman for a newly set-up local chapter of an English learning group has urged Malaysians to improve their standard of the language to communicate better with the world.
English Speaking Union of Malaysia (ESU) vice-chairman Dr Anuar Osman said students and young professionals should realize that Malaysia was deeply involved in international-level high-profile activities, adding that the country needed people who were proficient in English to provide its views on many issues.
Dr Anuar, who heads the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Chancellor Foundation division, said he had heard from senior foreign service officials that some of the younger local diplomats were not fluent in English, thus hampering communication with foreign officials.
“We need to explain the country’s policies to the world. This means that we need young professionals that are articulate in English,” Dr Anuar told a press conference at the Royal Selangor Club yesterday at the announcement of the formation of ESU, by its chairman Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah Tuanku Jaafar.
ESU is an international, non-political and educational charity promoting the usage of English. IT has membership in 51 countries.
The activities of ESU branches are coordinated by the secretariat at Dartmouth House, London.
ESU chairman Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah Tuanku Jaafar also lamented the slide in English among Malaysians.
“We are not against the usage of Bahasa Malaysia, but we are promoting English by changing the mindset of youths about English.
“ESU is targeting school children, students and young professionals because the future of international relations will be in their hands.
“The youths who take part in our programmes will be better equipped to contribute to their own society,” she said.
“Many of our activities are concentrated on enhancing friendship among ourselves such as organizing public speaking courses and choral speaking,” she added.
Tunku Dara Naquiah hoped that the media could be involved and support the activities of the union. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Rais Yatim would officially launch the union at the National Art Gallery on Nov. 2.
Membership in the union costs between RM10 to RM30 for adults and senior citizens while it is free for those under 18.
Those interested can call Dr Anuar at 03-89213675, secretary Jaffri Amin Osman (03-21663661) and treasurer S. Radhakrishnan (03-20762856).
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