Importance of Bahasa Melayu Must be Inculcated among the People

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam - The importance of Bahasa Melayu in Brunei must be inculcated in every citizen and resident in the country, especially among the young generation, as the Malay language plays a vital role in the creation of a civilisation and the identity of a race and nation, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports said yesterday.

Speaking during an oratory competition organised by the Language and Literature Bureau in conjunction with Brunei’s 26th National Day, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Hazair Hj Abdullah said that youths had the responsibility of strengthening the self-identity and upholding and preserving the sovereignty of the Brunei language.

"(At the same time), the Malay language is a key component in the philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB). "Through the mastery and proficiency in speaking the Malay language, the people, including the non-Malays, would be able to gain a better understanding of the local customs and cultures which will contribute to human development and the establishment of an harmonious life in the community and nation," the minister added. He said the beauty of Bahasa Melayu is multifaceted. Its usage reflects the civilisation, decency and moral character of the Malay race and the people of Brunei.

The minister highlighted that "Language is one of the important components in the development of human culture and civilisation. Thus, in creating a national culture and the development of MIB philosophy, Bahasa Melayu plays an important role in clarifying and understanding the concepts and ideals of the philosophy."

He pointed out that Bahasa Melayu was one of the four major languages spoken in the world apart from English, Mandarin and Hindi. There are 300 million people

who speak and communicate in Bahasa Melayu worldwide which has shown its potential to become as "Lingua Franca", he said.

He added that Bahasa Melayu was not just a tool to promote the culture, but also to disseminate knowledge and information. A total of 14 contestants comprising Year 9 Chinese students from schools across the Sultanate competed in the competition.

Venessa Lim Yee Peng from Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Secondary School (SMJA) was adjudged champion and received $600 cash prize, a plaque and certificate.

Venessa’s winning oratory titled: "Environmental Pollution: Holocaust of Life"

In second place with her talk on "The Translation of Knowledge in Bahasa Melayu" was Teo Sui Fund from Sufri Bolkiah Secondary School, Tutong who won a sum of $450, a plaque and certificate of participation, while in third place was by Chew Cheng Kwang @ Edmund Chew with his oratory titled "First class Mentality Generation Catalyst to National Sustainable Success". The Chung Hwa Secondary School bagged $300 prize with a plaque and certificate as well.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

Source: http://www.brudirect.com
Picture: http://angki.wordpress.com

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