KUCHING: Efforts to keep Malay as the national language because it is the language of racial unity should be continuously pursued, said Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
“The national language is widely used but efforts to popularise it has not been fully achieved within a short period of time.
“This needs to be done seriously because there are so many races in Sarawak,” he said at the TYT Youth Forum Competition held here, yesterday.
He added that in Sarawak, the use of Malay as the language of unity is achievable compared with Peninsular Malaysia as racial groups in Sarawak are more willing to volunteer than being coerced.
“Our unifying language cannot be done with force but for unity. Effort still needs to be made so that all races can use Malay,” Taib said.
Meanwhile, the “Forum Remaja Piala TYT Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak 2019” was won by SMK Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Normah, Daro, Mukah with the topic “Perpaduan Tiang Seri Keharmonian Negara.”
As the winner, the school team brought home RM5,000, a challenge trophy, a book published by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), and a certificate of recognition.
The team comprised the forum chairman, Siti Nurulzulaika Mustapha and three members namely Nurul Fatin Eddy Iswendy, Muhammad Aiman Fadhullah Zulkepli and Irna Ismail.
Muhammad Aiman also won the Best Forum Member. He brought home RM500, a book published by DBP, and a certificate of recognition.
