Izah Azahari
The programmes and activities conducted by the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) in upholding and strengthening Bahasa Melayu implies the effort in instilling community awareness and sense of responsibility to love the Malay language and helps preserve its sovereignty, said DBP Acting Director Suip bin Haji Abdul Wahab.
There is a need for a Wira Bahasa (Language Hero) in this country who will lead and become an activist to champion and uphold the Malay language as it faces challenges in the development of times.
He made these comments during the Malay Language Forum titled Bahasa Melayu dalam Wawasan Negara (Malay Language in the National Vision) held in conjunction with the 37th National Day celebration at the Sarmayuda Hall of DBP yesterday.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin was the guest of honour.
The forum began with the singing of the national anthem followed by the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat.
The forum featured four panellists comprising Malay language and linguistic lecturer from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Pengiran Haji Ashrol Rahimy bin Pengiran Damit; Deputy Director of Jawi Studies and Kitab Turath Research Centre at the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan’s (KUPU SB) Haji Mohammad Shahrol Azmi bin Haji Abdul Muluk; language officer at DBP’s Research, Documentation and Recognition Division Ruhana binti Radin; and Senior Language Officer at DBP Hajah Sariani binti Haji Ishak as the forum panel’s chairwoman.
The forum aimed at embedding a sense of love for the Malay language, especially among youth and students, empowering the Malay language, and strengthening Jawi writing in the country while enlivening the National Day celebration.
The forum was also held to uplift the Malay language and Jawi writing as a reflection of national identity as one of the department’s efforts in maintaining the Malay language in line with Brunei Vision 2035.
