KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will confer with ASEAN leaders to propose the use of Bahasa Melayu (the Malay language) as ASEAN's second language, in efforts to elevate the mother tongue at the international level.
Ismail Sabri said apart from Malaysia, Bahasa Melayu was also used as a medium instruction in several neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore as well as in southern Thailand, southern Philippines and in parts of Cambodia.
"So there is no reason why we cannot make Bahasa Melayu as one of the official languages of ASEAN. We will coordinate this matter and I will discuss with the leaders of ASEAN countries that do use Bahasa Melayu so that they agree to make Bahasa Melayu the second language of ASEAN.
"After that, we will discuss with other ASEAN leaders whose countries also have residents who use Bahasa Melayu as a spoken language," he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara today.
He said this in reply to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Seri Zurainah Musa who wanted to know whether the government would work with ASEAN leaders to coordinate the use of Bahasa Melayu at the ASEAN level.
Elaborating further, Ismail Sabri said currently only four out of the 10 ASEAN countries use English in official events at the international level, while the other six use their own mother tongues in their official affairs and need to be translated.
The Prime Minister said he himself had used Bahasa Melayu during his official visits to Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia and Thailand before and most recently during his visit to Vietnam two days ago.
"We do not need to feel ashamed or awkward to use Bahasa Melayu at the international level because this effort to uphold the Malay language is also in line with one of the priority areas of the Malaysian Foreign Policy Framework which was launched by the government on Dec 7, 2021.
"This effort will be continued in any international meetings and conferences, whether bilateral or multilateral, within or outside the country as appropriate," he said.
Responding to another supplementary question from Senator Datuk Isa Ab Hamid on whether the government had placed highly proficient officers in Bahasa Melayu abroad, Ismail Sabri said the Foreign Ministry would provide translation training to officers stationed overseas.
Ismail Sabri also suggested that officers who have translation skills and are able to assist the country in translation matters in official government affairs be given special allowances.
In addition, he said the Foreign Ministry would also establish a Language and Culture Unit at every foreign mission besides providing Bahasa Melayu classes for officers and their children who are abroad.
"We find that some children of our diplomatic officers are not proficient in Bahasa Melayu because they study in international schools and some of the officers do not return to Malaysia but instead are cross-posted to other countries on a regular basis.
"This causes their children who have studied for years in international schools to be unable to speak Bahasa Melayu, so we will create this classes with immediate effect ... and will be extended to Malaysians who are abroad," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Mar 23 2022
There is no reason why we cannot make Bahasa Melayu as one of the official languages of ASEAN, as it was also used as a medium instruction in several neighbouring countries, Ismail Sabri said. - PMO
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.