KUALA LUMPUR – Often symbolised as the soul of the nation, the Malay language has evolved with a rich tapestry from its classical roots – reverberating with the vibrant character inherited from various original Malay kingdoms in the region.
While literary experts, historians, and other academicians continue to debate the development of the Malay language or Bahasa Malaysia, its official custodian, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) has the unenviable task of charting and advocating the use of the language in various mediums.
Since its inception in 1956, DBP has often taken the approach to educate and advise, with countless community and academically-oriented approaches to strengthen the use of the language.
This, however, could change as the institution now pushes for amending the DBP Act 1959, giving it powers to take enforcement and legal actions if there is a violation of language usage, among things that are proposed.
While DBP had assured the move is meant to foster national unity in accordance with the constitution and Rukun Negara (national principles), academicians doubt that the move will ultimately benefit the language and the nation in the long run.
Sharifah Munirah Alatas, a lecturer in strategic studies and international relations at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said the issue boils down to patriotism.
She stressed that policymakers cannot hope to force the people to love any aspect of their country simply by penalising them.
“Language is more than just communicating verbally. It’s about art, music, film, expression of ideas, and non-verbal communication.
“If you force it on people, you can say goodbye to the potential flourishing of Malay arts, music, and literature in the future.
You cannot force someone to love their husband, wife, or child, right? Same thing with patriotism. You cannot whack or whip, or fine someone into loving their language.
“You cannot fine someone for not liking P. Ramlee movies, can you? Or is this what our leaders will do next?”' she asked.
Sharifah said the proposed amendments bear no net positive effect on the country, and instead reiterated the importance of a comprehensive approach to inculcate a sense of patriotism.
“National identity and patriotism need a holistic effort to achieve. It is a long-term effort that takes leadership with firm principles and morals to achieve,” she said.
Last month, DBP board of governor’s chairman Prof Datuk Seri Awang Sariyan said that Individuals who do not respect the national language can be fined up to RM50,000 or sentenced to imprisonment through amendments to the DBP Act 1959.
The two punishments are among the items proposed in the amendments to the act, which are now in the final stage of discussion before being presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob this month.
In fact, Ismail had himself announced during the Umno general assembly in May that the government will amend the act to allow the DBP to take action against any violations of Bahasa Malaysia usage, including at the district level.
He had lamented that under the current DBP Act, the government agency does not have the power to carry out enforcement on language offences.
Awang said DBP also proposed that the National Language Act be amended in line with the amendments to the DBP Act so that it can carry out its duties as a language enforcer more effectively.
Have muti-racial staff composition
Sociologist Datuk Denison Jayasooria concurs that policymakers must think beyond punishment and compulsion, and instead strive for greater advocacy of the language.
“DBP must be more focused on promoting and strengthening incentives, rather than on policing the role of language,” he said when contacted.
In an interconnected world, greater appreciation of other languages too is essential, rather than just pushing for exclusive language usage.
“A greater appreciation for Bahasa Malaysia, as well as DBP adopting a more multi-cultural and muti-ethnic staff team with more fluent Bahasa Malaysia speaking Indians, Chinese and East Malaysians reflecting the true spirit of Malaysia is essential,” he said.
Denison also stressed cultural diplomacy as another area where Bahasa Malaysia can be extensively promoted, similar to the manner music and movies of the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee have been influential.
The other good example of this scenario is Korean movies and music which have made a global presence, said Denison.
Indeed, as with any other language, Bahasa Malaysia has branched out into numerous variations – including sub-languages spoken with various accents and absorbing many adaptations from various other languages such as Persian, Arabic and Sanskrit.
Reflection of failed nation-building policies
In recent months, Ismail Sabri has pushed for Bahasa Malaysia to be at the forefront of other Asean-based languages, even promoting its potential of becoming an official lingua franca of the region.
In May, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali also instructed the Public Service Department to consider punitive measures to enforce the use of Bahasa Malaysia in the civil service.
For Prof Emeritus Datuk Teo Kok Seong, a principal fellow at the Institute of Ethnic Studies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, while such punitive measures are aggressive, they are tragically necessary.
“It is sad that Malaysia is the only country in the world that has to consider such punitive action because there is a lack of respect for the language in our own country,” he said.
He lamented that nearly a third of civil servants do not apply Bahasa Malaysia in their official duties, which is a clear violation of Service Circular No. 1 2020 on empowering the use of the national language in public service.
While DBP is well justified to seek the amendments, Teo however emphasised that the move is a reflection of years of failed policies in nation-building.
The language helps to connect different communities in the country, it helps to inculcate the love for the nation. Yet, many do not hold it in high regard or understand why it is important.
“Clearly this is the effect of failed nation-building,” he said. – The Vibes, July 8, 2022
