So, it looks like the debate on our national language has still not ended.
Prime Minister, Dato Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has recently stressed that the rakyat should be proud of our national language. Not only that, he also wants to see the language being used in a larger capacity at the workplace.
According to Astro Awani, Sabri noticed that it has now become a “trend” for both government and private agencies, as well as Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) to not use Bahasa Malaysia in their daily affairs. This includes:
- Meetings
- Conference
- The name of the company
- The name of the project
- The branding of the product
Instead, the English language has been widely applied in the daily affairs of these workplaces. He also said that we should be proud of our national language as it is used internationally and also ranked the 10th most popular language in the world.
“Despite the strong dominance of English language, Bahasa Melayu remains powerful with its own unique rhythm,” he said while also reminding the people to allow the Malay language to continue growing.
According to another report by Astro Awani, as of now, there are more than 6,000 languages still being used, but only 20 languages are recognised as official languages, and that includes Bahasa Melayu. Thus, Sabri urged the people to use the national language in every conference, meeting, as well as other event.
“We can revive the glory days of Bahasa Melayu as a “lingua franca”. Who else can uphold Bahasa Melayu if not us?”
The term lingua franca refers to an adopted common language between two speakers whose native languages are different, reported Britannica.
Additionally, Harian Metro also reported that no one else, except Malaysians, can do their part in upholding the dignity of the Malay language. The government will also support and welcome any efforts to elevate the language as Putrajaya wanted to make Bahasa Melayu an international language of the 21st century.
As Malaysians, it is definitely a must for us to be able to speak and comprehend the national language.
Malaysians who can’t speak the language, we especially want to hear your thoughts on this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Also read: WATCH: Politician Evades Question By Rudely Asking Reporter To Speak Bahasa Melayu
