Claim That Malay Language Is Under Threat Merely Political Rhetoric

Barnama

06-06-2025

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- Experts have described the allegation that the Malay language is being sidelined under the MADANI Government as unfounded and contradictory to the administration's ongoing efforts to strengthen the national language's status.
Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi views the MADANI Government as more progressive and consistent in promoting Malay as the primary medium of administration and national discourse, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
"The claim that the Malay language is losing its role is merely a political strategy," he said, commenting on a statement made yesterday by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who alleged that the Malay language and the position of the Malays are facing mounting threats under the current government.
According to Awang Azman, the statement is also inconsistent with Dr Mahathir's administrative history, notably when he introduced the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI) policy in 2003.
"The policy provoked an intense backlash, as many parties, including the Movement to Abolish PPSMI, criticised it for diminishing the Malay language as a medium of knowledge and education," he said.
Awang Azman stated that calls to unite the Malays must be accompanied by concrete actions that are consistent with the principles of justice, inclusivity, and respect for Malaysia's cultural and linguistic diversity.
Echoing this view, National Professors Council Fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan pointed out that this is not the first time Dr Mahathir has used the 'Malay issue' to advance his political objectives.
"There is no such thing as the Malay language being under threat. It is only a small minority who view Malay as unintellectual, but in reality, it is they who lack intelligence.
"The current situation is much more stable compared to when the ICERD issue (International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination) and the recognition of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court arose in 2018 during Tun Dr Mahathir's administration, which at that time sparked concern among the Malay community," he said.