The main purpose of learning a language is for communication. In the desire to produce skilled bilingual or trilingual societies many nations encourage the learning of a few languages. In the Malaysian context, mastering of English and mother tongue languages is noteworthy, but as Malaysians, learning to speak and write in the national language is equally important.
Mastery of the Malay language syntax when speaking seems to be rather a difficult skill for non-Malay students despite exposing themselves to the language for many years in school. Malay is a highly classy language with a delightful and evocative syntax. The language is infused with finesse and subtlety. However, do not blame students if they find it mind-numbing to learn the language. Language is best acquired when there is a natural liking for it and if it is made easy and interesting to learn. This is not the case with the present Malay language syllabus in school.
In most casual interactions, Malay is liberally or haphazardly spoken minus the affixes. A non-native speaker may find the affixes, such as me, meng, ter, be, ber, i, an, kan etc., to be the most mind-boggling facets of the language. Non-native adults will find mastery of the affixes almost unattainable. This can best be achieved through more corrective speaking activities in school.