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Barnama
3 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Claim That Malay Language Is Under Threat Merely Political Rhetoric
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.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Analyst: Split votes likely without unity among Malay, Bumiputera parties in Sabah
KUALA LUMPUR: A lack of cooperation among Malay or Bumiputera political parties in Sabah may result in split votes in the upcoming state election, an analyst has said. "If Umno and GRS end up in multi-cornered fights against Parti Warisan, Pakatan Harapan and other local parties, votes will be divided, making it more difficult for any coalition to secure a stable majority," said Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi. He said Sabah Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's reluctance to immediately support cooperation with GRS should not necessarily be seen in a negative light. The analyst said Bung's hesitation reflected the current political landscape in Sabah, where trust, loyalty and grassroots strength remain crucial in forming a sustainable political coalition. "In this context, Bung is not outrightly rejecting collaboration, but signalling that any partnership must be based on political sincerity, fair power-sharing, and respect for Umno's role as a party that still commands considerable support among Bumiputera Muslim voters," he said. He added that Umno's history and grassroots influence further contributed to its strength. "Bung's stance simply shows that Umno deserves recognition as a strategic partner and is not a junior player in politics," he said. "For GRS, this statement serves as a reminder that forming a coalition without open dialogue, equality and mutual respect will not lead to long-term stability. "If GRS disregards Umno's voice, it risks losing access to the party's extensive grassroots network, particularly in rural areas," he added. However, the academic said the current situation also presents an opportunity for renegotiation. "Sabah Umno has the chance to push for a fairer agreement, including more balanced seat allocations and strategic positions in the state government if victorious," he said, adding that other parties also have an opportunity to build an equitable and sincere alliance with Umno.
