ERODED ENGLISH

This is from the STAR a few days ago:

Huge drop in standard of English

THE standard of English in Malaysia has dropped significantly, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat was quoted as saying in the China Press.

He said that before Independence, Malaysia was recognised as among the top three Commonwealth countries which had a good command of the language.

Just a few days before that I received an email from a salesperson of cars known to have high standards:

Dear Sirs,

RE: The Mercedes-Benz Saloon Models - New C-Class,

The New Mercedes-Benz - new C-Class is one of the star attractive in the Geneva Auto Shows.

The biggest noise came from DaimlerChrysler, which launched its new C-Classs. The new W204 not only looks sliming, but also comes equiped with class beating equipment and engines. Buyers in this segment class have every reason to look forward to a whole new dimension in drive pleaseure.

New C-Class W204 - Fully Imported - C200K & C230/V6 will be available after June ,for more pictures log on to

Local Assemble S300L is now open for booking too. for more pictures log on to

Now if Mercedes people (albeit Malaysian) cannot write good English to match their good cars, is there hope?

On a sad note, one of the better-known English speaker and singer in RTM and a friend, Noornikman Dadameah passed away today. Al-Fatihah.

Labels: Bad English