KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians must remember the importance of the national language, even as the country advances in progress and technology, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He added that a developed nation should value its national language, arts, and culture, not just focus on its economy.
"It would be a grave mistake if the Madani government pursued development without giving due importance to language.
"While we strengthen the country’s finances, we must not overlook a crucial element of nation-building, having a strong command of our language and appreciating great works of knowledge, whether in literature, economics, finance, or digital fields.
"It is wrong to think that language does not matter. No great country has ever neglected it," he said during the Hadiah Bahasa Public Bank–Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) ceremony on Thursday (May 22).
Anwar noted that countries like China continue to promote their language and classical literature.
"During my visit to China, I attempted to memorise a piece of their classical writing, but it was challenging. I asked my Chinese aide-de-camp (ADC) if he knew it—he did, and taught it to me on our way to a university.
"When I met President Xi Jinping, I asked why the people in China are so proficient in their language and classical works.
"He told me it is because he wants the younger generation to preserve their identity and not be overly influenced by foreign content, which could affect their thinking and behaviour," said Anwar.
Because of this, Anwar often reminds the Education Ministry and the Higher Education Ministry not to forget the importance of the national language, even as some advocate placing greater emphasis on foreign languages in education.
Also present were Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Board of Governors chairman and National Laureate Datuk Dr Anwar Ridhwan, Public Bank chief executive officer Tan Sri Dr Tay Ah Lek, and deputy CEO Datuk Sulaiman Abdul Manap.
The well-known Hadiah Bahasa award has returned after 27 years, following a request from the Prime Minister last year.
Now organised by DBP and Public Bank, the award aims to encourage students and professionals to produce quality work in Bahasa Melayu.
First introduced in 1984 and last held in 1998, the award was established with support from Anwar, who was then patron of the Linguistic Society of Malaysia.
Anwar also announced that Tay has pledged to make Hadiah Bahasa an annual event from this year onwards.
The award comprises five categories, covering book publications and essay writing competitions for primary, secondary, pre-university, and university students.
