Strengthen National Identity Through Bahasa Melayu - Teo Kok Seong

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- Strengthening the mastery of the Bahasa Melayu as the national language is vital, as it forms the common bond among the nation’s multi-racial and multi-ethnic communities.

Principal fellow of the Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Prof Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong, said Bahasa Melayu or Malay must serve as a key foundation of national identity, as emphasised by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, when gracing the opening of the First Meeting of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament.

“The national language is not only the official language but also a symbol of national identity. However, despite more than six decades of independence, there are still younger generations who have yet to master it,” he said on Bernama TV’s ‘Apa Khabar Malaysia’ today.

Teo, who was named the recipient of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur’s Tokoh Pemartabat Bahasa Melayu award in 2012, said the national language policy should be reviewed to foster greater appreciation of the Malay language within the community.

“Bahasa Melayu holds invaluable significance in nationhood as it is the national language, the official language, and the cultural identity of the people. A change in attitude towards the language is therefore urgently needed,” he said.

He also proposed the introduction of a compulsory subject on intercultural knowledge to enhance public understanding of the way of life in the country’s multi-racial society.

“If we truly embrace the philosophy of unity in diversity, I believe all ethnic groups can move forward together as one Bangsa Malaysia,” he said.

-- BERNAMA