KUALA LUMPUR: The government is in the process of expediting amendments to the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Act 1959 to allow for better enforcement in empowering the Malay language, said Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.
The draft bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament as soon as possible, marking the first revision of the DBP Act since its last amendment in 1995.
Fadhlina said this move is part of the efforts undertaken by the ministry to uphold the Malay language as the national language, in addition to the allocation of RM50 million to DBP in the 2025 Budget.
"Yes, we are working hard towards that (amendment of the Act ). Indeed, that is the responsibility given to DBP.
"It is to ensure that we can expedite the amendment of the law and present it in Parliament as soon as possible," she said when met at the Malam Puisi Riong 2024 last night.
In 2022, DBP had said that the amendment review was expected to be finalised by early 2023. However, the change in federal administration delayed the process.
The amendment initiative began during the previous administration under Bera member of Parliament Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The proposed amendments to the Act reportedly include penalties of no less than RM50,000 or imprisonment for individuals who disrespect the Malay language as the national language.
These provisions aim to transform DBP into an authoritative language body under the Education Ministry, empowering the agency to take action against offenses or neglect related to the national language.
DBP had previously submitted proposals to amend the Act.
The proposal focuses on three main areas namely enforcing the use of Malay language as the national language at the local authority level, granting enforcement powers for the use of Malay language in sectors mandated by the Federal Constitution as well as expanding DBP's capacity to develop and promote the Malay language and literature internationally under a legal framework.
Article 152(6) of the Federal Constitution provides for the use of Malay in the administration of federal and state governments, as well as public authorities.
The proposed amendments will further solidify DBP's role in advancing the Malay language and literature globally, building on initiatives already in place since the 1980s.