What Ails the National Language
Artificial Restrictions and Narrow Communal Sentiments
The debate over the status of Bahasa Melayu as the national language in Malaysia has been ongoing for quite some time. Recently, the Cabinet vetoed a move by the health ministry to exempt trainee doctors from Bahasa Melayu secondary school qualification. This decision sparked a flurry of protests and raised concerns about the language’s significance in the country.
Not sitting for the SPM BM paper should not deny medical graduates the opportunity to do what they have been preparing many years for.
While the intention behind the proposal was to allow medical graduates to pursue their career without being hindered by linguistic barriers, the debate ended up focusing on the role of Bahasa Melayu as the national language. The controversy highlights the artificial restrictions and narrow communal sentiments that surround the use of the language.
A Language of Unity or Division?
In many Muslim countries, Arabic is used freely by non-Muslims in their religious practices. The same is true for other languages, such as Farsi in Iran and Bahasa Indonesia in Indonesia. Why then, is Bahasa Melayu restricted from being used by non-Muslims in Malaysia?
Has such a proper status been accorded to BM, our national language? Can the Hindu or Christian holy books be made available openly in local bookshops, in the same language that is now being touted as a tool for national unity?
The answer lies in the fact that the Malay language, at least the version promoted and formally adopted in Malaysia, is not organic and has not been given the freedom to pervade all spheres of life.
The Strength of a Language
The strength of a language is organic and cannot be imposed. Decades of attempts to promote a language have failed in other countries, including Tamil-speaking Tamil Nadu. Bahasa Melayu can only attain its proper status if it is liberated from artificial restrictions and narrow communal sentiments.
What Makes a National Language?
Is a national language defined by its use in the national anthem, on road signs, on identification papers and documents, or as a requirement for foreigners seeking permanent residence? If these are the criteria, then Bahasa Melayu has already achieved the status of a national language.
But the truth is, the Malay language, at least the version that is promoted and formally adopted in Malaysia, is not ready to pervade all spheres of our lives, be they economic, religious or academic.
Conclusion
Forcing trainee doctors to have academic qualifications in BM is not the answer. The real solution lies in liberating the language from artificial restrictions and narrow communal sentiments, allowing it to become organic and a true language of unity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Bahasa Melayu restricted from being used by non-Muslims in Malaysia?
A: Bahasa Melayu has not been given the freedom to pervade all spheres of life, and it is restricted by artificial limitations and narrow communal sentiments.
Q: What makes a national language?
A: A national language is not defined solely by its use in certain contexts, but rather by its ability to pervade all spheres of life and unite the nation.
Q: Can the national language be imposed or promoted?
A: The strength of a language is organic and cannot be imposed. Decades of attempts to promote a language have failed in other countries.
Q: What is the solution to the problem?
A: The solution lies in liberating the national language from artificial restrictions and narrow communal sentiments, allowing it to become organic and a true language of unity.