Gov't To Review Konvensyen 152 Resolutions For Implementation - Ahmad Zahid

‎SHAH ALAM, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- All resolutions resulting from the National Level Konvensyen 152 (Article 152 of the Federal Constitution), including measures to empower Bahasa Melayu in the country, will be reviewed by the National Education Council, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the empowerment of Bahasa Melayu in the country is relevant to the current situation and that its implementation is necessary.

"It will definitely be brought to the National Education Council for review. The government views all the resolutions as being highly relevant to contemporary needs and must be implemented,” he said when met after officiating at the closing ceremony of the convention at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) here today.

Also present were Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir and UiTM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib.

Earlier, Shahrin presented six convention resolutions, namely the establishment of the National Language Board (LBK) under the Prime Minister's Department; appointment of Bahasa Melayu attaches at every embassy under the supervision of the Foreign Ministry; and stipulating that 80 per cent usage of accurate and correct formative Bahasa Melayu content.

Other decisions made are ‎‎seeking the consideration of the Ministry of Higher Education to make it compulsory to offer Bahasa Melayu courses (with a compulsory pass requirement for graduation) at all Public Institutions of Higher Learning (IPTAs); grant official recognition to Malay language and linguistic experts with the title of Linguist Professional (Lg); and elevating the use of Jawi script in all matters across all Federal government agencies, Statutory Bodies and Local Authorities.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the task of empowering Bahasa Melayu cannot be placed solely on Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), as it requires the collaboration of all Malaysians.

He added that Bahasa Melayu, as a symbol of national dignity and sovereignty, has huge potential as the language of the halal economy, Islamic education and Islamic world diplomacy.

"Our problem today is not because there is no policy, but the lack of appreciation. DBP's 2023 Language Audit showed that only about 60 per cent of government agencies complied with the usage of the national language in official matters,” he said.

He added that Bahasa Melayu is not being threatened by foreign nations, but by our own attitude of being ashamed of using the national language on official platforms.

"Bahasa Melayu needs to be restored as the language of knowledge, research and innovation at institutions of higher education, and every government agency needs to make the national language the country's authoritative language,” he said..

He added that under the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035, Bahasa Melayu would be elevated as the language of halal trade in the ASEAN region and the Islamic world, thus strengthening its position as the global halal economic lingua franca.

"In this digital era, we must ensure Bahasa Melayu continues to thrive on screens, applications and every global platform. We must produce more software, scientific terms and digital content in the national language. We want it to become a natural space for daily life in cyberspace,” he added.

‎-- BERNAMA