| Wani Roslan |
LANGUAGE attains its highest form of development from extensive use as a means of communication, said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.
The minister was speaking at the official launching of the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP)’s annual Language Month yesterday at the Tarbiyah Hall of the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB).
“With regard to Brunei Darussalam, the Malay element has became a part of our daily lives through the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy; and maintaining and strengthening the Malay Language has become a significant national policy that needs to be preserved, even in this age of globalisation, science and technology,” he said.
“The development of science and technology can assist us in the promotion of Malay, particularly with the availability of various terms that have been widely translated into the Malay Language.
“Yet, the survival of the Malay Language requires great effort and sacrifice. These efforts can only be sustained with public cooperation, since a particular language cannot exist without its practitioners. For this reason, our society must continue its commitment in upholding and dignifying the Malay Language.”
The Acting Director of DBP, Hajah Sariani binti Haji Ishak, meanwhile said that various strategies have already been outlined for the preservation and appreciation of the Malay Language, which would require strong support from the public.
The event then continued with a video presentation, which was followed with a language pledge by the army cadets of Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School, and the declamation of a poem titled, Masihkah Kalian Ingat.
There was also a talk on the topic of Bahasa Melayu Bahasa Kita, by Dr Aliamat bin Omar Ali, a lecturer at Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education, Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
An awards ceremony then ensued, during which Haji Rashid bin Haji Damit was honoured for his appointment as a Language Ambassador.
The minister also presented prizes to the winners of several essay and short story competitions, in addition to five students for their excellent academic achievements in the Malay Language and Malay Literature.
The event concluded with the launching of two books – Bahasa Mudah Pelancong and Siri Penyelidikan Bahasa Melayu di Negara Brunei Darussalam; Fasa 4, Edisi Ke-3 – by the minister, who also viewed a mini-exhibition at the venue.