Photo via Cempedak Cheese
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), responsible for coordinating the use of the Malay language in Malaysia, says it’s not satisfied with the level of proficiency and the use of Bahasa Malaysia mixed with English.
Its Director-General Datuk Abang Salehuddin Abang Shokeran pointed out that it’s especially saddening to see the language being fouled in formal and official contexts, such as speeches, interviews and even government emails.
“The problem in Malaysia, if we look at it in general, our society has not yet reached a level of good language use, not only the Malay language but also in English," he said.
Salehuddin also expressed concern regarding maintaining the identity of Bahasa Malaysia, without relying on the wide use of other languages, referring to our colloquial use of ‘Manglish’ (Malay + English), of course.
Speaking to Astro AWANI, language specialist, Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Nik Safiah Karim explained that Malaysians generally aren’t proud of Malay as the national language, as compared to citizens of foreign countries.
“In our country, there seems to be a lack of desire to speak the national language. There is an excessive use of English as if there is no national language, or as if the person isn’t fluent in their own national language,” he stressed.
Dr Nik Safiah didn’t deny that knowing how to speak English is important, but not to the point of setting the Malay language aside.
“I see it’s only in Parliament politicians speak Malay, apologise when they say a few words in English, but in other situations - speeches, meetings - political and community leaders, officials and others, give more importance to English," she said.
And guys, they’re absolutely right!
Malaysians not being able to have a proper conversation in our national language is a sad truth, and we need to do our best to speak the Malay language better!
by Kyle Roshen Jacob
