PETALING JAYA: Taking in stride the torrent of criticism over his lack of proficiency in the English language, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says he is still proud that a religious school scholar such as himself was handed the opportunity to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Speaking to delegates at the close of the Ipoh Barat Umno Division meeting in Ipoh today, Zahid said he was aware that he may have mispronounced a few English words, but the more important thing was that he could represent Malaysia at an international event.

“I am a graduate of (Sekolah Menengah Agama) Izuddin Shah (in Ipoh) but I was able to speak at the UN General Assembly in New York.

“Maybe I did not pronounce one or two words correctly but at least, I was able to represent the country,” the New Straits Times quoted him as telling delegates.

He said that what was worse was how some Malaysians struggled to speak the national language, Bahasa Malaysia despite being born and bred here.

“I feel disheartened and embarrassed to see those who were born and raised in the country but cannot even speak Bahasa Malaysia.

“Some of them cannot speak the language despite their advanced age, and some even have titles,” the English daily quoted him as saying.

Zahid represented Malaysia at the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly, where he also delivered the country’s national statement at the general debate on Sept 24.

Since then, he has come under heavy fire from critics who said his proficiency in English left much to be desired.