| Izah Azahari |
STRENGTHENING the Malay Language in each member country is not an easy task and a constant struggle, and the various creative initiatives implemented to stir the public’s interest in the language cannot be forced, but rather must be borne out of a natural desire to see the Malay language prosper and thrive.
This was highlighted by Hajah Sariani binti Haji Ishak, Acting Director of the Language and Literature Bureau in her capacity as Chairwoman of the event and Head Representative of MABBIM Brunei, in a speech during the closing ceremony of the Language Council of Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia (MABBIM) Language Seminar 2018 yesterday at Parkview Hotel in Jerudong.
The acting director noted that it is undeniable that other languages also play their own important roles, but the Malay Language should not be made into a second-class language.
She added that the hold of the Malay Language – in terms of ideology and understanding – in our daily lives does not diminish even in the ever-changing world of today.
She pointed out that many developed countries proudly use their native language – countries such as Japan, Germany, France, China and Thailand – as the main medium of education, and these languages have survived and are able to compete with other languages even to this day, further proving that native languages can lead to success in life, so long as the speakers are united and view the language in high regard.
The event was attended by guest of honour Haji Mohammad Abdoh bin Haji Awang Damit, the Acting Director of Culture and Arts at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
The event continued with the reading and handover of the MABBIM resolution by Dr Yabit bin Alas, Chief Reporter of MABBIM Brunei, to Haji Mohammad Abdoh, who then handed over the resolution to Hajah Sariani.
The event ended with the presentation of souvenirs and certificates to the seminar participants by Haji Mohammad Abdoh.
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