NATIONALIST COALITION DETERMINED TO STRENGTHEN DIGNITY OF MALAY LANGUAGE, CULTURE

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11 (Bernama) -- Efforts to strengthen the position of the Malay language and culture as the core of the national identity will continue to be strengthened through the establishment of the “Majlis-Majlis Mitra Gabungan Nasionalis”, which serves as a platform to unify the struggle for Malay nationalism.

It comprises Majlis Bahasa Negara (MBN), chaired by Malay language expert, academic and literary figure Senator Datuk Seri Prof Dr Awang Sariyan, National Culture and Heritage Council, chaired by Universiti Putra Malaysia lecturer Datuk Dr Abdul Mua’ti Ahmad.

Also, the National Bumiputera Education Council (MPBN), chaired by Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Isahak Haron and the National Legislative Council (MPN), chaired by International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) law lecturer Associate Professor Datuk Dr Shamrahayu A. Aziz.

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Former Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim, when officiating the council, expressed concern about the declining use of the Malay language among the Malays themselves, thus affecting the survival of the culture and national identity.

“Malay cultural heritage, including traditional dance and performing arts, is now increasingly marginalised and less recognised as a national identity. This situation also affects education, life values ​​and the way of life of the community,” he said.

Rais stressed the need to focus on comprehensive and effective solutions to restore the dignity of the Malay language as the language of knowledge, culture and life.

Meanwhile, Gabungan Nasionalis chairman Aminuddin Yahaya said the issue of weak Malay language proficiency among the young generation must be addressed seriously, as it has direct implications for education, employability and the future leadership of the country.

To address this, he said Gabungan Nasionalis has established a leadership institute aimed at producing a new generation of young leaders who are knowledgeable, confident and grounded in the Malay language as the language of knowledge and leadership.

-- BERNAMA