MELAKA: The Malay language must continue to be upheld without neglecting English proficiency among the younger generation, says Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek.

She said efforts to strengthen the national language should be pursued through various platforms, including public speaking competitions that give higher education students the opportunity to express their views through well-reasoned, knowledge-based arguments.

"The policy of upholding the Malay language while strengthening English proficiency is crucial to the country.

"We must remain consistent in ensuring that the use, enrichment and wider adoption of the Malay language remain part of the national agenda," she said at the final of the Arena Wacana Aspirasi Mahasiswa oratory competition, held in conjunction with the 2026 National Language Decade (DBK) at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) in Durian Tunggal today.