Bandar Seri Begawan - The Chung Hwa Middle School is the premier secondary school in the country that teaches in three languages namely; Malay, Chinese and English and such efforts are in line with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam`s `titah` at the monarch`s birthday celebration organised by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce on September 1, 1982.
In the `titah`, His Majesty reminded the Chinese citizens and residents to determinedly learn the Malay language and to continuously use the language at every opportunity as proof of their genuine loyalty to the country.
This point was underscored by a member of the Legislative Council, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Awg Goh King Chin in his opening speech at the launching of the CHMS Malay Language Month 2008 that he officiated yesterday at the school`s hall.
He also paid special emphasis on the importance of the Malay language in the Sultanate. Since it was declared by His Majesty`s government as the official language in the Brunei Constitution of 1959, the importance of the Malay language has been proven by the fact that all official government correspondence uses this medium for communications. Moreover, one of the requirements set out by the Ministry of Education for students who wish to pursue higher education either locally or abroad, must have good grades in the Malay subject in the PMB and GCE `O` Levels. Furthermore, it is also a prerequisite for non-Malays applying for citizenship to be well versed in both written and verbal Malay.
These, Pehin Goh added, above all else determine that the Malay language is very valuable and important in our daily lives.
In this regard, he added that efforts made by the school`s Department of Malay Language should best benefit all the students in order to increase their capabilities in the language by participating in whatever activities lined up throughout the Month of Malay Language. He went on to state his belief that by doing so, students can fully upgrade their knowledge and experience which are vital for their future.
The launching of the Malay Language Month proves that the Chinese community in the Sultanate continues to answer the call made by the monarch who wishes to see the Chinese community to always utilise the Malay language. By the same token, it also calls on the Chinese community to continuously increase their efforts to learn the Malay language to a higher level in order to support the government`s aspirations and secure their collective future. By Lyna Mohamad
Source: http://www.brunei-online.com (July 11, 2008)
