Latest news with #BahasaMelayu
Rakyat Post
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Rakyat Post
Is The National Language Bahasa Melayu Or Bahasa Malaysia?
Subscribe to our FREE Is our national language known as Bahasa Melayu or Bahasa Malaysia? The confusion is not your fault, but it's stemmed from years of name flip flopping by the government. To understand how we reached this point, we must first learn how Bahasa Malaysia came to be. Under Article 152(1) of the Federal Constitution, the national language is known as Bahasa Melayu. However, when Malaysia was formed in 1963, the language was switched to be known as Bahasa Malaysia. The reason? The name change to Bahasa Malaysia was hoped to foster unity among the many ethnic groups in the country. Then another change came again in 1986 when the Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad government changed it to Bahasa Melayu. It was back to Bahasa Malaysia again under Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's administration. So, where does that leave us? There is a strong call by linguists and experts to refer to the national language as Bahasa Melayu. According to To further prove the point, Malaysian Linguistic Society president Nor Hashimah Jalaluddin said there's no British or Australian language but English. Hashimah added that it's not Indian language but Tamil, Hindi, and so on. Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad, from UM's Department of Media and Communication Studies, added that the name change to Bahasa Malaysia didn't exactly encourage many non-Malays and Malays to take up or appreciate the language. The ostracism and stereotype towards the national language remains. Experts also believe the language should be known as Bahasa Melayu to preserve the Malay culture and heritage. With not many Malaysians speaking the Malay language correctly and speaking English more, there are fears that Bahasa Melayu will be lost. Previously, there have been calls to READ MORE : READ MORE: READ MORE: READ MORE: Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Charges against Pakistani man for sodomy, molest postponed to July 23
SHAH ALAM: The court proceedings for a Pakistani man facing multiple charges, including sodomy and robbery, were postponed to next Wednesday after he requested an Urdu interpreter. The 24-year-old man, who was brought before two Sessions Courts and a magistrate's court, appeared confused and repeatedly shook his head when asked if he understood Bahasa Melayu or English. As a result, the charges were not read to him before Judges Norazlin Othman and Rasyihah Ghazali, where he faces several counts of sexual assault, nor before Magistrate Ameera Mastura Khamis for an immigration offence. The prosecution then requested the court to set a later date to secure an Urdu interpreter. Speaking in broken English before Norazlin and Rasyihah, the foreigner indicated that he did not understand Bahasa Melayu as he had only been in Malaysia for five to six months. The foreigner, who was unrepresented, kept repeating: "Urdu, Urdu." Norazlin addressed the suspect directly, explaining in English that he would remain in remand until he was brought back to court to have the charges read in a language he understood. A court policeman also assisted in explaining the matter to him. Norazlin and Rasyihah set July 23 for mention, while Ameera fixed August 1. Deputy public prosecutors Amir Saifullah Mohammad Sallehuddin, Roshaira Rosly and Nurul Akhilah Rosmi prosecuted. On July 9, Shah Alam police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim had said a Pakistani man wanted for allegedly sodomising and molesting several boys was arrested at Durian Burung in Baling, Kedah just before he attempted to flee the country. Iqbal had said the suspect had gone into hiding in a rubber estate where his friend, a 43-year-old Pakistani man, worked as a rubber tapper. Police launched a hunt for the suspect after receiving reports of the alleged sexual assaults, involving boys aged between nine and 19, which took place at Sections 27 and 28 here. Police opened four investigation papers (IP) where two were under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act for physical sexual assault on a child, which carries a maximum 20-year jail term and whipping upon conviction. The other two IPs were under Section 377C of the Penal Code for committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature without consent which provides a jail term not less than five years and not exceeding 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Winners prove being blind is no impediment
KUALA LUMPUR: Being blind shouldn't stop anyone from taking part in competitions, even typing contests. That's what the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) proved through its inaugural Black Screen Typist Competition, a typing contest designed for the visually impaired. More than 23 participants took part, relying on audio cues to test their hearing and typing skills. They were scored on accuracy and speed. Rishan Ponraj Sivaaj won the Bahasa Melayu category with a score of 92.5 out of 100. He was surprised by his win, saying it was his first time competing in such a contest. Blind since birth, Rishan said one of his biggest challenges was accepting his condition. "As a child, it was hard to understand why I was different. I didn't have many friends to play with, which made things more isolating." With his family's support, he gradually adapted. Now 25, he is pursuing a graduate programme at a bank and hopes that the competition will raise awareness of what visually impaired people can do. "I hope that this competition opens society's eyes to the fact that we are just as capable of using computers as sighted people." Tang Kah Hung, who won the English category with a score of 80.5, credited his speed to helping with his family's photocopying business. He lost his vision at 16 due to a brain tumour. He said while the experience was devastating, time and support helped him adjust. "At first, I felt despair. But with time, I learnt to accept my blindness and appreciate my remaining senses — hearing, touch, taste and smell," he said. He added that such contests promoted typing skills and encouraged others not to hesitate to seek help. "Don't be shy about asking for help — whether from a senior or a blind association offering computer courses." MAB ICT senior executive Hafiyyan Lali said the event highlighted the technological capabilities of the visually impaired. "The goal is to show that with digital accessibility, blind people can perform on par with everyone else." Due to the positive response, MAB plans to make the contest an annual event and is considering including sighted participants to promote inclusivity.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
#NST180years: Mastering English key to global relevance
"Speaking English does not mean we are forgetting our traditions, nor does it mean that we are leaving behind our identity. "One can still keep the important values and grow to be a global citizen that Malaysia can be proud of and, at the same time, be fluent in English. "Increasing English abilities would also open up more opportunities personally and professionally, which would enable a person to compete in this fast-changing global economy. "For Malaysia to prosper, we must communicate and engage with our neighbours. We can't be a closed society, nor would we ever want to be. We rightfully take enormous pride in our nation and our culture. "It is our duty to share our knowledge, customs and cultures with the wider world community. Learning and communicating in English enables us to do this." Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Oct 14, 2019 "Efforts to master English need to be implemented quickly as developed countries give emphasis on dual language proficiency. "On quality of education, Malay is the main language and must be mastered without compromise by all students, but we must try to think of new methods to improve the quality and mastery of the English language. "From next year, the quality of English language proficiency should be improved, in addition to maintaining the position of the Malay language. (On initiatives to enhance English language proficiency among students) "We need to choose how to implement this quickly. If we don't act fast, we will lose." Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim Prime Minister Nov 23, 2023 "English is more than just a common language. "Proficiency in English is crucial for enabling Sarawakians to excel in high-growth industries, renewable energy and scientific fields. "A skilled workforce is also vital for Sarawak's future, ensuring that young Sarawakians have the language capabilities necessary to compete on the global stage. "If our children are well educated in English, their future is bright. But if we are confined to ourselves, we become 'syok sendiri' (full of ourselves) and become 'kampung' (village) champions. "Do we want 'kampung' champions or global champions?" Sarawak Premier July 23, 2024 "Having a strong command of the English language is a critical asset, whether to access knowledge, pursue higher education or thrive in the competitive workplace. "English is not just a subject to be studied, but a valuable tool that opens doors to a world of possibilities. "That is why we are firmly committed to equipping our students with this vital skill so that they can navigate the challenges of the 21st century with confidence, competence and success. "Meeting future demands requires us to be proficient in both Bahasa Melayu and English." Education Minister June 9, 2024
The Star
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Digital Ministry launches public survey to shape Malaysia's digital future
PETALING JAYA: In a bid to support national digital transformation, the Digital Ministry has opened a public survey on the Rakyat Digital portal for Malaysians to voice their digital needs and aspirations. In a statement on Tuesday (July 15), the ministry emphasised that public participation in the survey is not merely a sharing of opinions, but also signifies their role as partners in shaping a digitally empowered Malaysia. "This initiative aims to ensure that the country's digital policies genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the people, and that the benefits of digital transformation are equitably experienced by all. "By gathering direct citizen feedback, this initiative will shape concrete actions for the mid-term review of Mydigital Aspiration, ensuring future strategies are inclusive, resilient, and truly reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of society," the statement read. Through the survey, the ministry aims to understand ideas on digital access and connectivity challenges for the public and industry, digital literacy gaps and training needs, as well as risks and opportunities of emerging technologies. "These insights will guide policy improvements and the development of initiatives that truly address real-world situations, especially for underserved communities. "The survey asks for postcode information, used only for broad, non-personal demographic analysis, without identifying individuals," it added. With the goal to shape inclusive digital policies, the ministry urged all Malaysians, regardless of age, background, or location, to take part in this crucial survey. "Every citizen's contribution helps create Malaysia's digital future, ensuring no one is left behind as the nation moves towards a more connected and innovative society. "The survey is available online in Bahasa Melayu and English for broad participation. "The Ministry guarantees all collected data is handled with the highest standards of privacy and security," said the ministry.
