Revive MABM To Strengthen Malay Language Globally -- Awang Sariyan

By Marfika Adnan Haris Fadzilah

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- National language and literary figure Senator Datuk Seri Prof Dr Awang Sariyan has called for the revival of the International Malay Language Council (MABM) as a strategic platform to strengthen the position of the Malay language on the global stage.

He said MABM previously served as a key coordinating body for Malay language initiatives abroad by bringing together representatives from various regions, including North America, Europe, East Asia, West Asia, South Asia and Oceania, to report on developments in Malay language studies and teaching in their respective regions.

“Every year, they reported on the development of the Malay language in their countries, and we provided support in terms of teaching personnel, reading materials and promotional support, including digital materials,” he told Bernama recently.

According to Awang, one of MABM’s strengths was its active network of educational and research institutions, including collaborations with foreign universities and coordination of Malay language instructors in various countries.

However, the UiTM Malay Rulers Institution Chair holder expressed regret that the continuity of the programme had stalled for a prolonged period, causing many international Malay language development initiatives to be discontinued.

“Leadership may change, but programmes should not stop. MABM was established with Cabinet approval in 1997 and was active from 2000 to 2015. The network that was built had significant impact because it involved many countries worldwide.

“At one point, MABM served as an important platform to coordinate Malay language and literary promotion programmes, including academic missions, teaching staff exchanges, student mobility programmes and the preparation of teaching materials abroad,” said Awang, who is also an Emeritus Professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation (ATMA).

He said several universities in China, Japan and Europe had long offered Malay language studies, but these developments needed stronger institutional coordination through platforms such as MABM to ensure more structured progress in the future.

“In China alone, there are now at least 17 higher learning institutions offering Malay language studies, including four-year degree programmes. This is a major development, but it needs to be supported by strong international coordination,” he said.

Awang said reviving MABM was not merely about elevating the Malay language, but also about positioning it as a language of knowledge, diplomacy and civilisation capable of transcending borders.

He also stressed that the Malay language should be viewed not merely as a medium of communication, but as an instrument of cultural, economic and educational diplomacy that could have a significant impact on the country if managed properly.

The Dewan Negara member also pointed to Indonesia’s success in promoting the Indonesian language through its Indonesian for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) programme.

He said the initiative has helped strengthen the country’s global cultural influence, including recognition of Bahasa Indonesia as one of the official languages of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) General Conference.

“Indonesia invests consistently in its language and culture. As a result, its language has gained stronger international recognition. We can do the same, but it requires commitment and policy continuity,” he said.

Awang proposed that the government consider allocating fixed funding for MABM as a foundation for reviving international programmes in a more structured manner.

“At the very least, there should be basic funding to get things moving. From there, we can revive the international network, deploy Malay language instructors abroad and strengthen Malay language teaching materials,” he said.

He also stressed the important role of the media in ensuring that efforts to internationalise the Malay language continue to receive attention from policymakers.

-- BERNAMA