Bandar Seri Begawan - More than 1,000 students of Chung Hwa Middle School (CHMS) are currently participating in the school`s Malay Language Week following the launch by Dr Mataim bin Bakar, the Director of Language and Literature Bureau, yesterday morning.
The Director of Language and Literature Bureau reminded all students especially the Chinese that they should not treat the Malay language as a foreign language because the Malay Language is owned by the people of the nation without the distinction of races.
He also urges students with their parents to learn and use Malay language, which is also in line with his Majesty`s titah on September 1, 1982, during the thanksgiving ceremony in conjunction with His Majesty`s birthday celebration at Dewan Peniagan Tionghwa Brunei.
He quoted His Majesty`s titan assaying, "In the matter of Malay Language, I would like to remind the people of the country especially the Chinese community, to learn Malay Language and continue to utilise the language in daily activities as proof of true loyalty toward Brunei Darussalam."
Dr Mataim also noted that "learning and using Malay Language doesn`t mean that the Chinese people will lose their mother tongue. Because it is also important to safeguard the mother tongue in order to ensure the race will continue to strive."
Touching on some methods in learning Malay, he expressed that one way is through Malay books and magazines. And that the Language and Literature Bureau, through its publication, has plenty of reading material for all walks of life.
He also expressed that with the launching of the Malay Language week, it is hoped that it will raise students` awareness of the importance of Malay Language.
Also present at the ceremony were Mr Ang Swee Chuan, the Chairman of the Board of Director of CHMS and other members of the board with Mdm Kho, the school Principal. The Guest of Honour also witnessed an array of Malay Language-based performances, which included singing, dances, recital of poetry and a short drama sketch.
Source: www.brudirect.com (26 Juli 2007)