KOTA KINABALU: Mastery of the national language has always been a priority of the government because it plays an important role in uniting the people and shaping the identity of the Malaysian nation.
Hence, the State Government will continue to work closely with the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) to promote the national language in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
The Chief Minister said this includes strengthening the language ecosystem, literatureand publication in the state through various forms of strategic collaboration as well as in the areas of academic publishing, nurturing young writing talent and research on local languages and dialects in Sabah.
“I hope that this synergy will continue to be strengthened so that Sabah becomes one of the leading states in fostering a culture of knowledge and excellence in the use of the national language,” he said during the launch of the National Language Month at Dewan Amil Jaya, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah branch today.
Speaker Datuk Seri Panglima Kadzim M Yahya delivered his speech.“When presenting the 2026 Budget, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the use of the Malay language,” he said.
Hajiji said that the organisation of the National Language Month should continue as a platform to instil love for the language and strengthen unity among the multiracial people.
“Various efforts have been made, including this programme, not only to make Bahasa Melayu an important means of communication but also as a language of knowledge, culture, and unity.
“This will certainly help ensure that the people of various ethnic backgrounds in this country continue to master the national language,” he said.
Hajiji hoped that through the various programmes held in conjunction with the National Language Month, it would help rekindle love and pride for the national and official language of the country; strengthen unity through linguistic and literary activities; and highlight the function and role of the national language and literature as the pillars of nation and civilisation building.
“I also warmly welcome the organisation of the Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa Carnival held in conjunction with the National Language Decade campaign at the Sabah state level, as part of this National Language Month celebration.
“Such efforts show that the Malay language continues to thrive and flourish in the hearts of the people of Sabah and stands as a symbol of our unity, intellect, and progress through a language that unites the nation.
“The involvement of various parties, from students to the general public, is most fitting to ensure that the spirit and essence of ‘Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa’ is felt by all levels of society,” he said.
He also hoped that with all these efforts, the younger generation will continue to love the national language while also mastering other languages.
“I am confident that through the close cooperation between DBP, the Ministry of Education Malaysia, and the State Government, efforts to uphold the national language will continue to be strengthened, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani,” he said.-pr/BNN
