13 juli 2010 08:12

Call To Uphold Malay Language

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam - There maybe some people in the country including students who think that the need to speak and communicate in Malay language is only a requirement of the community and politics without added values to knowledge, education, commercial and economy. If that is the assumption, then it's not right.

Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, said this in his welcoming speech at the finals of the Malay language speech competition in conjunction with the 26th National Day celebration yesterday.

The minister added, "We must know and understand that Malay is one of four most important languages that is used in the world besides English, Mandarin and Hindi. There are currently around 300 million people using and communicating in Malay globally. This shows the strength and capabilities of Malay as lingua franca.

"The richness and beauty of Malay is that it's not only used as a tool in promoting culture, it also plays a role as a language that passes on knowledge and information. Language can be used as a tool for communication, to reflect the capability of a nation and in development and progress. Malay language is therefore not a hindrance to progress or development."

The minister added, "Efforts and measures to uphold Malay language in the country do not go against the need to learn other major languages as well as the policy of bilingualism in the country. A good command of Malay language will not affect the learning and command of other languages but will be an added value in the dynamism and richness of languages. "

An independent and sovereign country needs to have its own mother tongue for its identity and as a pillar of unity. The language of a nation is the soul of the nation that will put the nation high in the eyes of the world. The importance of Malay language in the country needs to be cultivated within us, especially among youths.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports then urged the Language and Literature Bureau to revitalise the Malay language month that is organised to promote the language. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Source: http://www.brudirect.com
Picture: http://www.bernama.com

Read : 2.253 time(s).