The following is a translation of the text of the National Day Address

The following is a translated excerpt the National Day speech delivered by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday night Aug 30, 2003. Maybe you may use it in your PSM later.

We can still increase wages without in-creasing costs if our output and productivity can be increased via enhanced efforts and skills, or via better manufacturing methods like automation and the use of IT. Workers must be willing to be retrained so that they are more skilled and can use more sophisticated equipment that can facilitate increased output.

In this regard, the mastery of the English language is very important. This does not mean we want to push our own language, the national language, aside. Our language cannot be promoted if we remain an undeveloped race. Only races which are developed can promote and spread their language.

In early times, the Arabs were a strong, developed race knowledgeable in mathematics, astronomy, science, sailing and others besides religion. Those who want to have the knowledge pioneered by the Arabs must learn Arabic. But today, the language of knowledge is English. If we do not want to be an undeveloped race, we have to learn and be adept in the English language.

Similarly, if we want to enhance our output so that wages will increase, every worker must master the English language, if not fully, then enough to understand the methods of work and instructions in the language. To learn other languages we must also first master English because there are no books and courses on other languages in our own language.

The strategy and approach taken to develop our country and improve the standard of living of Malaysians is carried out with integrity and by formulating our own approach after studying in detail the ways and means of others."

Taken from:
http://www.emedia.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/National/20030901083517/Article/