Chairman of the Center for Malay Cultural Studies, Prof. Dr. Khairil Ansari, M.Pd, was the main speaker at the ASEAN Ranking Malay Language International Symposium, held at the Auditorium Building of the Malaysian Language and Library Council Kuala Lumpur.
The event was opened by the Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, Sunday (22/5/2022). Then, Prof. Khairil delivered a paper entitled Strategy to Promote Malay as the Official Language of ASEAN. Next, another speaker, Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Asmah Haji Omar (Malaysia), presented a paper entitled Dignity of the National Language. Next appeared, as a speaker, Prof. Datuk Seri Dr. Awang Sariyan (Malaysia) took the title, “Strategic Action Plan for the Malay Language International.”
In his paper, Prof. Kharril revealed that the Malay language is widely spread in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Southern Thailand, Southern Philippines, and other Southeast Asia. This makes it possible for Malay to become the official language of instruction within ASEAN).
Although this issue is rather difficult to agree on because the naming of the Malay language is sometimes not just a question of name or nomenclature but is related to language policies in each country which have been mutually agreed upon in their respective constitutions. Apart from that, it is necessary to return to the initial spirit of the formation of ASEAN, which is a country that essentially has the same cultural basis, namely Austronesian culture, “explained Prof. Khairil.
Furthermore, ASEAN already has 10 member countries, established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, which initially consisted of five countries and has now become 10 countries. The five ASEAN initiating countries are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
“One of the things related to the context of this working paper is the desire to bring back the official language of ASEAN, namely Malay, which so far has been English, which is very relevant to the factors that led to the formation of ASEAN. Exactly point four, ASEAN countries have an Austronesian Malay cultural basis,” he said.
Furthermore, Austronesian Malay Culture is a language family that gave birth to the Malay language. Therefore, the basis for presenting the Malay language to be re-appointed as the official language in the Southeast Asian region is relevant to be realized.
In summary, Prof. Khairil Ansari raises several issues regarding the historical dimension and the internal and external opportunities for Malay to become the official language of ASEAN. Thus, the strategies used appropriately to realize Malay as the official language of ASEAN and the challenges or challenges that need to be considered in developing the ASEAN language. Efforts to create.
Malay Language International Symposium. It was held by the Prime Minister in collaboration with the Language and Library Council (DBP), the Malay Nature and Tamadun Institute (ATMA) Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the Malay Civilization Institute (IPM), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).
Additionally, the Founder of Pakat Melayu and Advisor to the Center for Malay Cultural Studies presented a gift to the Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob through Prof. Khairil as the Main Speaker in the Malay Language International Symposium in ASEAN Rank.
