In the massive progress of globalization, there are increasing intimate relations being formed among countries. As such, a "global language"is needed to allow cross-cultural and cross-national boundaries communication and to promote intercultural communication, especially for international trade and business. While striving to become a fully developed nation in 2020, it is vital for Malaysians to improve the English language competency to survive the massive waves of globalization.
Being the second most important language in Malaysia, English language has been used extensively in various areas, especially in the private sectors and mass media. Over the years, although the Malaysian government has implemented changes in the English curriculum and policy, hoping to bring up the standard of English among Malaysians, are these changes sufficient to meet the current demand? Concerning this matter, effective move in the change of language curriculum and teaching pedagogy that go well with the contemporary educational context in Malaysia should be explored and implemented in an organized manner.
In order to prepare readers to understand the English language curriculum and policy in Malaysia, the historical background, the current status of English language in Malaysia and changes in policy to address issues concerning the English education in Malaysia are explored and discussed in this paper. Focus in drawn largely on the recommendations to improve the English curriculum and English teaching methodology in Malaysia.