By Asmahanim Amir
Pix Abd Raai Osman

BANGI, July 21, 2016 –The mastery of Malay Language should be seen as important as the need to be proficient in English Language.

Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM) Chairman of University Management (LPU), Prof Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak said that this is to ensure that the national language is not forgotten.

“The problem that we face now is we just focus on other languages, while our language (Malay Language) is left to fend on its own.

“This only results in the marginalisation of our mother tongue,” he said to the media after the 30^th Bicara Persada Forum with title the National Language in Higher Education: Etched or marginalized, here recently.

He also asserts that culture is a mirror of language.

“More often than not, one’s language is a reflection of their culture and attitude,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo who is one of the panellists at the forum, recommends that each Public University (UA) introduce the High Malay Language Studies (BMIT) as a last resort in defending Malay Language scholarship in the country.

“BMIT is a language which is used for lectures, paper work presentation in a seminar or conference, report study including thesis writing, books and journal,” he said.

He added that the Council of High Malay Language Studies in Public Universities (MBITUA) should be established to determine the policy, strategy and plan of action to ensure of Bahasa Melayu’s survival.

Other panellists include Chief Executive cum Chief Editor of Karyawan Foundation, Datuk Zainal Abidin Borhan while the moderator was Syed Munawar Syed Mustar.