Cakap English = Berlagak? Think Again
Diterbitkan pada 25 Sep 2025
4 min baca
✅ Ini bukan masalah language skills
✅ Ini konflik identiti + social pressure
✅ Ada solution yang practical
Situation familiar tak?
Meeting starts. Boss tanya soalan English.
You tahu jawapan. Tapi lidah jadi kaku.
Bukan sebab tak pandai. Ada suara dalam hati:
“Nanti orang kata berlagak…”
Quick Reality Check
Berapa ramai yang hadapi ni?
→ Ribuan young professionals Melayu
→ Yang ada degree + good English scores
→ Tapi still struggle workplace confidence
Impact pada career?
→ Missed promotions
→ Lower salary brackets
→ Stuck dalam comfort zone
3 Punca Utama
1️⃣ Fear of Social Judgment
Stigma yang ada:
- English fluent = berlagak
- Successful globally = lupa akar
- Professional excellence = cultural betrayal
Real example:
Graduate engineer present client project in English.
Colleague comment: “Dengan orang kita pun nak show off ke?”
Result? Next meeting onwards, dia avoid speak up.
2️⃣ Identity Conflict
What you learned growing up:
Bahasa Malaysia = jiwa bangsa = cinta tanah air
What workplace demands:
English proficiency = career advancement = higher salary
The internal battle:
- Voice 1: “Use English, get promotion”
- Voice 2: “Why abandon own language?“
3️⃣ Perfectionism Trap
The fear cycle:
- Compare with native speakers
- Worry about grammar/pronunciation
- Choose silence over risk
- Career stays stagnant
Economic Reality
Salary Comparison
English-required positions:
Tech Sector
Software Developer: RM120k - RM216k/year
Finance
Finance Manager: RM144k - RM192k/year
Engineering
Project Manager: RM144k - RM240k/year
English-optional positions:
Significantly lower salary ranges
Why This Gap?
- Global expansion needs
- International client servicing
- Technology documentation
- Cross-border collaboration
Mindset Shift Required
English = Tool, Not Identity Threat
Think about it:
- Smartphone for work = betraying tradition? ❌
- Toyota to office instead of kerbau = becoming Western? ❌
- English for career = abandoning Malay identity? ❌
What Stays, What Changes
Core identity (unchanged):
- Values & principles
- Family connections
- Cultural practices
- Spiritual beliefs
Professional toolkit (expanded):
- Communication range
- Global opportunities
- Knowledge access
- Network expansion
Practical Action Plan
Phase 1: Build Foundation (Week 1-2)
Daily Actions:
- Write 1 professional email in English
- Practice 1 technical explanation alone
- Watch English business content 15 mins
- Record yourself explaining work project
Phase 2: Safe Practice (Week 3-4)
Workplace Integration:
- Volunteer for 1-on-1 English discussions
- Contribute to small group meetings
- Offer to help with English documentation
- Find supportive colleague for practice
Phase 3: Confident Communication (Month 2+)
Advanced Steps:
- Lead team briefings in English
- Present to international stakeholders
- Mentor junior colleagues
- Share Malaysian culture globally using English
Quick Wins Strategy
Start With Strengths
Identify your expertise areas:
- Technical knowledge you’re confident about
- Projects you know inside-out
- Processes you can explain easily
Why this works:
When content is solid, language barriers reduce naturally.
Embrace Malaysian English
Remember:
- Singaporeans proud of Singlish ✓
- Indians embrace their English accent ✓
- Malaysians should celebrate our variety ✓
Focus on: Clear communication, not perfect pronunciation
Cultural Heritage Solutions
Method 1: Cultural Ambassador
How to do it:
- Share Malaysian traditions with international colleagues
- Explain local customs during global meetings
- Use English skills to promote Malaysia globally
Method 2: Community Mentoring
Action items:
- Help other young Malays with similar struggles
- Share your journey publicly
- Create supportive networks
- Give back to community
Method 3: Bilingual Excellence
The goal:
Become excellent in BOTH languages, not choose one over another.
Common Concerns Addressed
“Will I lose my Malay identity?”
No. Language is communication tool. Identity comes from values, not vocabulary.
“What if people judge me?”
Some will. But career growth benefits your entire family and community.
“Is my accent/grammar good enough?”
Clarity matters more than perfection. Focus on being understood.
“Should I feel guilty about success?”
No. Your success inspires others and creates opportunities for community.
Next Steps Checklist
This Week:
- Identify 3 work situations where English would help
- Practice explaining your job to imaginary international visitor
- Write down career goals that need English proficiency
- Find 1 supportive colleague for language practice
This Month:
- Volunteer for 1 English-required task
- Join professional networking event
- Start consuming business content in English
- Set specific career advancement targets
Next 3 Months:
- Lead 1 project requiring English communication
- Apply for position with higher English requirements
- Mentor 1 junior colleague with similar concerns
- Measure salary/career progress improvement
Final Message
To professionals struggling with English guilt:
Stop apologizing for being excellent.
Your heritage won’t disappear because you speak good English.
Your identity won’t erode because you succeed globally.
What actually happens:
→ You expand capabilities
→ You widen influence
→ You create opportunities for community
The truth:
Language is bridge, not wall.
English connects you to world.
Bahasa Melayu connects you to roots.
Both are precious. Both necessary.
Success = navigating multiple worlds with confidence
And feeling zero guilt about it.
Career menunggu. Potential memanggil. Community support you.
Make them proud. Make yourself proud.