SIBU: In a bid to enhance the command of Bahasa Malaysia among students from Chinese private secondary schools in Sarawak, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak is organising the first-ever Multiracial Festival 2023.
Jointly hosted by Pustaka Sarawak and the United Association of Private Chinese Secondary Schools (SMPC) Management Board, the festival will take place from Aug 7-11 at the 7th and 8th Floors of Wisma Huawen Du Zhong here.
The primary goal of the festival is to promote Bahasa Malaysia, which is considered a second language at SMPC, where the medium of instruction is Chinese.
“SMPC emphasises learning three languages, namely Chinese, Malay and English. Malay is considered as a second language and rarely used by SMPC students,” said Pustaka Sarawak director Abang Haliman Abang Julai during a press conference on Friday (Aug 4).
Despite the medium of instruction being Chinese, SMPC does not exclude the teaching of Bahasa Malaysia among the students, he said. “Therefore, this festival aims to encourage students to master and value the Malay language.”
To achieve the objective, the festival will offer various activities that encourage the wide usage of Bahasa Malaysia.
“Twelve SMPC Sarawak schools will be involved in this year’s Student Forum, the largest number compared to previous years. The forum aims to instil confidence among students to speak in BM.”
Other engaging activities during the festival include a Poetry Recitation Competition, Poetry Rhythm Competition, Patriotic Song Singing Contest, and coaching programmes for poetry and short story writing.
The highlight of the event will be on Aug 10, with the presence of Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who will officiate the festival and award prizes to the winners of the various activities.
