[lg policy] Malaysia: Language policy and race attitude

[Harold Schiffman]

Language policy and race attitude

This month is the National Language Month (BBK), a campaign carried
out since 2009 to replace the Love Our language and the National
Language and Literature Month. These programmes are all managed by
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP). They are to remind the people that
Malaysia has a National Language Policy.

For Malaysians born in 1957, they will be 54 years old this year, and
that is also the age of Malaysian sovereignty with the country having
achieved its independence on Aug 31, 1957. For Malaysians born in
1963, the year Malaysia was formed, they will be celebrating their
48th birthday celebration this year. The question is why since the
past decades, issues and questions on language never ceased to be
discussed.

The function of the Malay language and other languages is clearly
stated in the Federal Constitution and the National Language Act
1963/67 (Revised 1971). In these two laws too, the definition on the
position and role of the Malay language in other laws, as well as
government regulations and government circulars, are spelled out.

Do Malaysians know, or do not care, that Malaysia has a language
policy? Are the government agencies, whether at the central or state
levels, and the local authorities, support and implement this policy.
It is puzzling if leaders at the various levels show a lackadaisical
attitude towards this.

In any civilization in the world, language is the foundation of a
civilization. Malaysia is indeed a multi-racial country, with diverse
culture, language, religion, believe, arts heritage, etc., but this
diversity is not a hindrance to unity.

If supremacy of the constitution is upheld, rule of the law is
respected, Malaysia is on the right track. Its pillars of nationhood
mutually agreed upon through the original social contract.

In Malaysia, there are clear signs of the struggle to strengthen Malay
as the national and official language, as well and the language of
communication in the world, but there is no confidence among the
Malays themselves.

The language policy is increasingly disrupted with the English
language being given more prominence.

Besides the non-Malays, who do not accept Malay as being their
language too, the emphasis on science and technology, as well as
industry, have created a new perception.

Progress, they say, can only be achieved through English language,
which is different from other countries in Asia, like Japan, Korea,
Taiwan and China or Germany, France in Europe.

Indeed, the people do not have problem to understand that Malay is the
language of Malaysia. Malay is the national and official language. The
slogan, 1Language 1Nation 1Country is in tandem with the 1Malaysia
concept.

The influence of Malay as the national language has transcend racial,
ethnic, community and regional borders. Sadly, its progress and
development are hampered due to the attitude of the race.

In Malaysia, there is a tendency in the management and administration,
a mixture of Malay and English is used, including a official
functions.

If this continues, there will be problems and the implication is huge.

Have we ever pondered that at one time Malay language will become
extinct? Continuous negative attitude can lead to destruction.

The re-introduction of the National Language Policy should be realized
by all. Efforts to uphold the Malay language is not an issue as it is
now the language of the country. What should be looked into is in
planning strategies and implementing them.

The government, through the education Ministry, has introduced the
policy on Upholding the Malay/Malaysian Language and Strengthening the
English Language (MBMMBI).

Implementation of the language policy has to be done, but we have to
look into many aspects. Observe the level of awareness on the National
Language Policy, the actual function of the Malay language, its
implementation and problems, the role of the language planning agency,
which is DBP, the role of other language development agents, and
strategic planning for its development, advancement and progress.

In this global stage, efforts should be made to uphold the national
language, while mastering other languages.

Malay is also an international language, a regional language and a
national language in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

DATUK A. AZIZ DERAMAN

is an Adjunct Professor at Universiti Utara Malaysia

http://ww2.utusan.com.my/utusan/special.asp?pr=theMessenger&y=2011&dt=1006&pub=theMessenger&sec=Features&pg=fe_03.htm

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