Najib wants BM to be Asean's official language by 2050

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wants the Malay language to be a global "lingua franca" as well as Asean's official language by the year 2050.

Najib said the National Transformation 2050 vision (TN50), which is currently being drawn, will ensure that the Malay language will be enriched and upheld at the highest level.

"The TN50 vision, which will outlay the country's roadmap for the next 30 years has been introduced.

"The TN50 initiative is currently gathering input through engagement sessions and dialogues with all levels of society, including the youth, University students, civil servants and artists.

"Therefore, I would like to assure that the TN50 vision will never neglect Bahasa Melayu. In fact, its stature will always be upheld all the way to the international level.

"As we head towards 2050, I wish to see Bahasa Melayu become Asean's main and official language, as well as a top lingua franca at global level," said Najib, in his speech at the 2017 International Public Speaking (Pidato) Prime Minister's Trophy competition on Wednesday.

Najib said in the Malaysian context, the Malay language has always been upheld, with the country's earliest leaders making it the national and official language.

"As a multiracial country, the Malay language is used to unite the people, ensuring that there is peace and harmony.

"The mastery of the Malay language among Malaysians is also done in a planned and inclusive way, while at the same time other languages like English are celebrated and not neglected," said Najib.

The Prime Minister also praised the Higher Education Ministry's move to make it compulsory for international students to take up Bahasa Malaysia as a subject.

In its 11th edition, this year's competition featured some 53 contestants from 35 countries.

The theme of this year's competition is "Internationalising Bahasa Melayu".

Also present at the event were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, Najib's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Higher Education Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur.