KUALA LUMPUR: The national language is one of the key pillars in building a unified nation, emphasising the element of togetherness among the people through the use of Malay language.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang stressed that Article 152 of the Federal Constitution clearly outlines that the status and role of Malay language as the national language cannot be questioned.
Its position as the official language is further solidified by the National Language Act 1967.
He acknowledged that the Malay language is also crucial as the language of knowledge, serving as the medium of teaching and learning, which led to the enactment of the Education Act 1961 (Amendment 1996).
“This provision reflects the nation’s commitment to preserve and elevate the Malay language as a symbol of unity.
“This direction is also clearly stated under the National Unity Policy, which was formulated by this Ministry based on the Federal Constitution and the Rukun Negara.
“It ensures that the Malay language continues to be preserved and promoted as the national language that embodies our national identity and strengthens unity in a multiracial society,” he said.
Aaron said this when officiating the 2024 National Language Theatre Competition for Chinese National-Type Schools (SJKC) at Balai Budaya Tun Syed Nasir, Wisma DBP here, Thursday (Oct 24).
He added that the ministry, through the National Library of Malaysia (PNM) and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, particularly Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), has implemented various initiatives to promote the use of the National Language among Malaysians of diverse ethnicities and religions.
Among the efforts carried out include providing Malaysiana reference services to the public, organising Malay Language workshops for expatriates, the “Kalam Karyawan” programme, Malay Language courses, and promoting National Language Month within local communities.
He also highlighted that competitions such as the theatre competition are platforms to instil a love and pride for the language, especially among SJKC students and all participants throughout the event.
In addition, he said the competition encourages the correct, beautiful, and proper use of the national language.
“These performances are rich with noble values and positive lessons, both explicit and implicit, presented through theatre.
“This form of cross-cultural programme is vital in enhancing understanding, respect, and mutual appreciation among the various communities, in line with the ‘Understand, Respect, and Accept’ concept outlined by the Ministry of National Unity.
“By elevating our language, we are essentially strengthening unity and harmony within our multicultural society,” he added.
Meanwhile, a total of 27 schools participated in this sixth edition of the Malay Language Theatre Competition, involving SJKC from the Central, Northern, and Southern zones.
