Does speaking English make you less patriotic?

On the morning of Merdeka day celebration, a mother and her teenage daughter stood among the crowd, chatting in English as they waited for the Independence Day parade to begin. They spoke with excitement about the performances, colours, and atmosphere. A man nearby, who had been listening, smiled politely but said, “Lagi elok kalau cakap Melayu, sebab kita orang Melayu. Literally translated, it means; “It would be better to speak Malay, because we are Malays.” The daughter found his remark surprising and she had a quiet conversation with her mother about whether using English, especially on such an important national day, could be seen as unpatriotic.

Merdeka is a time when Malaysians not only celebrate the joy of independence but also remember the struggles of the past. English, which was introduced during British colonial rule, became the language of administration, education, and governance. For many, it represented access to power and opportunities, but it also symbolised foreign control. When Malaysia gained independence in 1957, Malay language or bahasa Melayu was declared the national language to unite a diverse population and strengthen the country’s cultural and political identity. In fact, today, bahasa Melayu is more than just a shared language it is the language that unites Malaysian known as bahasa Malaysia. It is protected under Article 152 of the Federal Constitution and further reinforced through the National Language Policy. In line with this, the Ministry of Education requires it to be taught in schools and used as a key medium of instruction. Moreover, passing bahasa Melayu subject in schools is not only a mere compulsory requirement for entry into public tertiary education programmes and for securing government position but in the deep core it is the source of cultural pride as Malaysian.

At the same time, the government also sees the importance of English. Policies such as Upholding the Malay Language and Strengthening the English Language (MBMMBI) and the earlier Teaching of Mathematics and Science in English (PPSMI) show a commitment to ensuring Malaysians can compete internationally while still preserving their linguistic heritage. This balanced approach proves that using English for global engagement can go hand in hand with maintaining national identity.

Due to these historical and policy developments, many Malaysians can switch naturally between Malay, English, and other languages depending on the contexts. Some fear that too much English, especially among the younger generation, might weaken the bond created by the national language. Others, however, view English as a valuable tool that opens doors to scholarships to study abroad, international business opportunities, and sharing Malaysia’s story with the world.

To conclude, Merdeka reminds us that patriotism is not about the language we speak but rather about the respect we have for our nation’s values and the contributions we make to its future. Therefore, Malaysians can continue to cherish bahasa Melayu as a symbol of unity while at the same time, embracing English as a bridge to the wider world. Moreover, true freedom means preserving heritage, expressing identity, and ensuring that Malaysia’s voice is heard both at home and internationally. Ultimately, what will carry our nation forward is unity of purpose, not uniformity of language.