KUALA LUMPUR: A PAS lawmaker wants the government to allow the use of Jawi script as an option in the version of names listed on both the MyKad as well as other official digital documents.
Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) said the use of Jawi script is not merely for sentimental value but a fundamental move as part of the national document.
"In this context, we must seize the opportunity to integrate Jawi script into both physical identity cards and digital documents.
"This holds significance as it reflects the identity of a person in official documentation, providing a Jawi version of their name, something that cannot be fully represented in Roman script alone," she said while debating the National Registration (Amendment) Bill 2025 in Parliament Wednesday (Aug 27).
She said that the updating and integrating Jawi script into both physical and digital identity cards will add value to our international relations, particularly among Arab countries that use a script similar to Jawi.
"Malaysia will be more respected and embraced by Islamic nations, presenting itself with a unique and dignified identity," she said.
She argued that there are inconsistencies in the spelling of Jawi names across various documents, such as marriage certificates in different states, religious secondary school certificates, and higher religious education certificates in the country.
"Without a centralised official record, different spellings have emerged. That is why we need a single, official government record to achieve synergy and uniformity," she said.
She argued that it was also a constitutional issue saying that citizens should have the right to fill forms in government documents in Jawi, a right guaranteed under the National Language Act.
"So, there must be an official identity record, in Jawi, that is stored and recognised by the National Registration Department (JPN)," she argued.
Jawi, she added, was not just about heritage but also about security.
"The Jawi font is more limited, using its letters, making it harder to manipulate than Roman script.
"From a security standpoint, particularly first-tier or primary-level security, this is an advantage that we cannot afford to ignore," she said.
Earlier, the National Registration (Amendment) Bil 2025 was passed via voice vote in the Dewan Rakyat.
In his winding up speech, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the proposed biometric data recording will involve images of 10 fingerprints, iris scans and facial scans, to enhance security features.
In his winding up speech, Shamsul Anuar said there is a need to improve the collection, recording and use of biometric data in line with the current conditions, as well as the level of security and confidentiality of information.
