Striking a Balance Between Unity and Global Relevance

The news of three graduates who emerged as champions in the Pidato Antarabangsa Bahasa Melayu 2023 showcases that the Malay language is a language that can be comprehensively learned and spoken across all quarters. Our predecessors have been communicating in Malay for decades prior, despite the existing differences in cultural backgrounds, as a medium to carry out day-to-day life. At this point, any shortcomings that could impede one’s literacy and understanding of contemporary Malay should no longer transgress especially with convenient access to the Internet. But the big question here is, is that so?

The Ministry of Higher Education’s (MoHE) vision to elevate the Malay language as a ‘superior medium’ shall be lauded as it further reinforces Malaysia’s image and culture to the world. There are indeed several popular axioms accompanying Malay language empowerment namely; the relevancy of Article 152 in the Federal Constitution, its historical value on the development of unified Malaysians through ‘language nationalism’ and the passing of the Malaysian Education Policy 1961 and National Language Act 1967. With the MoHE’s Malay Language Empowerment Action Plan at higher learning institutions in motion, this vision towards Malay language empowerment is rather conspicuous.

However, this does not come without a few shortcomings at hand. The public discourse which ensued in light of this endeavour is very much incessant. This is followed by speculative thoughts on the marginalization of other cultures and languages across all public spheres. Subsequently, it is also worth noting the ubiquitous role of English as a prevalent globalisation medium has shadowed the Malay language with its dominance in knowledge transfers and industrial trades. Thus, the government should be heedful of the mentioned shortcomings to regulate effective action plans in pursuance of this vision whilst avoiding economic disadvantages that may follow suit.

There is nothing wrong with envisioning the noblest causes to empower the Malay language as a superior medium of communication as long as it is done right by calculating the globalisation factor and its future utility beforehand. Though public opinion in this discourse is still shambling and uncertain, support and public advocacy are crucial if we are to go in full force in this direction.