National Language : Pillar In Building Of Nation State - Aaron

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- The National Language is one of the "pillars" in the building of a nation-state that emphasizes the element of togetherness among the people through language, said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.

Citing Article 152 of the Federal Constitution, he said,  the function and role of the Malay language as the National Language cannot be disputed, adding that its position as an official language is strengthened by the National Language Act 1967. 

"This provision in the law reflects the country's commitment to preserve and dignify the Malay language as a symbol of unity and this is clearly stated under the National Unity Policy...

“The Malay language must continue to be preserved and dignified as a symbol of national identity, capable of uniting a diverse, multi-ethnic society as the primary medium of communication,” he said when opening the national-level Chinese National-Type Schools’ Malay Language Theater Competition here today.

He said the government, through the Ministry of National Unity, has implemented various initiatives to empower the National Language among the people of various races and religions, with the cooperation of various parties such as the Ministry of Education and Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka (DBP).

This included organising Malay Language Workshops for expatriates, the Kalam Karyawan programme and the National Language Month.

-- BERNAMA