Bandar Seri Begawan - In an attempt to strengthen the Malay language, the Evolution Centre of Training Institute Royal Brunei Armed Forces has been urged to review a Malay language course and whether the institute can optimise on it in case personnel from other countries require training in the Malay language.

This was stated by the Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah during the closing ceremony of an English language course held on behalf of military personnel from some of Asean's member states yesterday.

The deputy commander said, "While accepting English is important as a communications tool, we must put it in our hearts that our national languages must always remain our number one language and it is critical that we instil this in our younger generation. If not, we may slowly lose our native languages."

He added, "There is no denying that the English language is the common. language for communications in the region. As our respective armed forces' regional and international commitments and relations expand, it is imperative that our officers and noncommissioned officers become more proficient and competent in the English language to enable them to interact and communicate confidently with their respective counterparts. It is also undeniable that English is the language of knowledge and technology."

The effectiveness of this course he said, "Is not only dependent on the acquisition of knowledge but also depends significantly on the duplication of knowledge and skills acquired in order to enhance the respective organisation's performance. And it is for this purpose that I urge all participants to practice what has been taught here.

"I also strongly urge participants to inculcate a habit of reading English language material to further increase vocabulary, style of writing, and speaking abilities. It is very important that new approaches and ideas taken from the course are skillfully, wisely and appropriately implemented for the betterment of the respective organisation.

"The forging of minds, experience and culture is also a key feature of the course and this has served to enrich valuable interaction. This interaction and exchange of ideas is beneficial, not only in cultivating lifelong friends but also in strengthening defence relations and cooperation, as well as building trust within Asean.

"We can learn a great deal from each other and I urge participants to maintain this friendship. We hope that this also can contribute to achieving our Asean aspiration of one community by 2015.

"I believe that in order to achieve this aspiration, we must communicate better and to do that we must speak one common language."

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin