KUALA LUMPUR: The government must enhance the use of the Malay language in official matters, including during international work trips, to elevate and dignify the national language on the global stage, said former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
"We start first with the government and then we get the private sector. When the private sector invites us to open a programme, it has to be on our terms," he told reporters after opening the third "Simposium Antarabangsa Aspirasi Bahasa Melayu" at a hotel here today.
He said that for events involving international participants, there are various ways to ensure they understand the message conveyed when the national language is used, such as direct translation from translators and LED screens displaying subtitles.
Earlier, in his speech, Ismail Sabri called on the government to take steps toward unifying the various versions of the Malay language, including those from Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, and Thailand, to establish it as ASEAN's second language and boost international confidence in the Malay language.
"English and other languages are also important but we should not neglect the national language. Language symbolises the nation," he said.
He also suggested that Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) be granted greater authority to enforce language laws, to prevent overlapping responsibilities with other entities, such as local government authorities (PBT).
He added that the two-day symposium is expected to spark new initiatives aimed at elevating the Malay language, both domestically and internationally.– BERNAMA