Proposal to make Malay language medium of instruction

The language is to be used at all levels of education from primary to institutions of higher learning. 

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Education Dialogue has proposed that Malay language be made the medium of instruction at all levels of education from primary to institutions of higher learning.

Director-general of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Awang Sariyan (photo) said the proposal was made because national education emphasised the use of Malay language for unity.

“It is enshrined in the Constitution via the National Education Policy and National Language Policy and is an extension to the policy formulated by the Razak Report Committee in 1956,” he told reporters after conclusion of the dialogue held at Menara DBP here today.

Also present was the head of Federation of National Writers Associations (Gapena) Prof Abdul Latiff Abu Bakar.

The dialogue attended by some 100 participants from 30 language-based NGOs also discussed the draft memorandum on the future direction of national education.

The resolution will be included in the memorandum to improve the education system to be submitted to Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on June 28.

Awang said Article 17 (1) of Education Act 1996 provides for the national language as the main medium of instruction in all educational institutions in the national education system except national-type schools or those exempted.

The dialogue also felt that the National Education Philosophy 1987 should be reaffirmed to produce better students in terms of knowledge, morals and language.

Bernama