Haji Hajiji Haji Noor
KOTA KINABALU: Mastery of the national language has always been a priority for the Government, as it plays a vital role in uniting the people and shaping Malaysia’s national identity.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the State Government will therefore continue to work closely with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) to further promote the national language in Sabah.
He said this includes strengthening the language ecosystem, literature and publications in the state through various forms of strategic collaboration, including academic publishing, nurturing young writing talent and conducting research on local languages and dialects in Sabah.
“I hope this synergy will continue to be strengthened so that Sabah becomes one of the leading states in fostering a culture of knowledge and excellence in the use of the national language,” he said when launching the National Language Month at Dewan Amil Jaya, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah branch, here today. His speech was read by State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya.
“When presenting the 2026 Budget, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the use of the Bahasa Melayu” he added.
Hajiji said the organisation of National Language Month should continue to serve as a platform to instil love for the language and reinforce unity among Malaysia’s multiracial communities.
“Various efforts have been made, including this programme, not only to make Bahasa Melayu an important medium of communication but also a language of knowledge, culture and unity.
“This will certainly help ensure that Malaysians of various ethnic backgrounds continue to master the national language,” he said.
Hajiji expressed hope that the activities held in conjunction with National Language Month would help rekindle love and pride for the national and official language, strengthen unity through linguistic and literary activities and highlight the role of the national language and literature as pillars of nation-building and civilisation.
“I also warmly welcome the organisation of the Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa Carnival, held in conjunction with the National Language Decade campaign at the Sabah state level, as part of this celebration.
“Such efforts demonstrate that the Bahasa Melayu continues to thrive and flourish in the hearts of the people of Sabah, standing as a symbol of our unity, intellect and progress through a language that binds the nation together.
“The involvement of various groups, from students to the general public, is indeed timely to ensure that the spirit and essence of Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa is felt by all levels of society,” he said.
Hajiji also expressed confidence that with these efforts, the younger generation will continue to cherish the national language while also mastering other languages.
“I am confident that through close cooperation between DBP, the Education Ministry and the State Government, efforts to uphold the national language will continue to be strengthened, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani,” he said.
