Headline : 'Don't neglect the language'

NST

Date : 18/08/2005

Page No : 06

Headline : 'Don't neglect the language'

Byline : By R.S. Kamini

Type :News

KUALA LUMPUR, Wed. - Being forced to read the English newspapers during his younger days helped Datuk Tony Fernandes come a long way in life.

Today, he stands as a well-respected entrepreneur with an excellent command of the language.

Describing the English language as one of the country's main strengths back in his younger days, the chief executive officer of low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd said students should never neglect the language.

Expressing his hope that the language would be given due priority, he has joined the growing list of individuals pledging their support for the New Straits Times' School Sponsorship Programme in a personal capacity.

Fernandes will be contributing RM16,480 to adopt 200 students from SMK Sri Sepang.

"If my father did not push me hard enough back then, communicating in English today would have been the biggest hurdle for me.

"Advising students to read, write and communicate in English every day, he said the language should always remain one of the country's main strengths.

Also joining the list today were several New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad staff, including production unit director Tun Ibrahim Mohd Jafri and IT unit general manager Akram Mohamad.

Tun Ibrahim will be sponsoring RM820 to adopt 20 students from his alma mater, SMK Clifford in Kuala Kangsar, Perak while Akram will adopt another 20 in SMK Salor in Kota Baru, Kelantan.

Tun Ibrahim said teachers should view English as a staple language and stress its importance to students.

"Since English is only the second language, many choose to stay ignorant about the importance of the language.

This must change," he said.

Housewife Norlailee Abdul Ghani from Kuala Lumpur is also sponsoring RM820 to adopt 20 students from Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Kuala Lipis, Pahang.

"We recently found out from my son, who attends the school, that it only receives one copy of the NST every week.

"We hope that with this sponsorship, students would be able to get a copy every day and use it to improve their language proficiency," she said.

Three more individuals, Lachu Thevar from Batu Pahat, Johor, clerk Sandra Lee from Petaling Jaya and Tan Bee Lan will also be sponsoring two copies of the NST to SMK Sri Perhentian, Johor and one copy each to SMK Syed Mashor in Batang Kali and SMK Sg Buaya in Rawang, respectively.

(END)