Malay as the national language
Malay was made the national language of the country under Article 152 of the Federal Constitution. A shared national language allows people of all races to communicate, understand one another and feel part of one nation. In this way Malay serves as a language of unity.
The language of knowledge
Malay is also promoted as a language of knowledge (bahasa ilmu) — a language capable of teaching, research, science and higher learning. For this to succeed, the language had to be developed, standardised and enriched with new terms.
- Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) — established in 1956 to develop, standardise and promote the Malay language and literature, and to publish books and coin new terms.
- National Language Act — strengthened the position and use of Malay in official matters.
- Medium of instruction — Malay became the main medium of instruction in the national education system, so that knowledge could be gained in the national language.
Key idea / 要点
Malay plays two roles: a language of unity that brings all races together, and a language of knowledge developed by DBP for learning and research.
Why it matters
Using one national language reduces barriers between communities and gives citizens a shared means of communication. Making that same language capable of teaching modern knowledge means the nation does not have to depend only on foreign languages for progress. Together, these roles make Malay central to both unity and development.
Remember / 记住
- Article 152 makes Malay the national language.
- DBP was established in 1956 to develop the language.
- Malay is both a language of unity and a language of knowledge.
- Malay is the main medium of instruction in national schools.