GEDONG: The ‘Malam Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa’ programme, held in conjunction with the 70th anniversary celebration of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), was officiated by Datuk Seri Mohd Naroden Majais at Dewan Datuk Patinggi Ali in Gedong on Thursday.
The programme formed part of DBP’s ‘Kembara MADANI Bahasa Dan Sastera’ (KEMBARA) aimed at strengthening appreciation for the Malay language and national literature among the people.
Naroden, who is also Adviser to the Sarawak Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment, expressed his gratitude to DBP, particularly its director-general, Datuk Dr Hazami Jahari, for bringing the programme to Gedong and for its continued efforts in promoting the Malay language across the country.
“The celebration of DBP’s 70th anniversary, themed ‘Restu Jiwa Pahlawan’, carries significant meaning in continuing the struggle to uphold and strengthen the national language,” he said.
The theme symbolises the continuity of past struggles, the spirit and identity of the younger generation, as well as the role of society in championing the Malay language and national literature.
Naroden added that DBP, which began as Balai Pustaka in 1956 before being formalised under the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Ordinance 1959, has played a major role in nation-building through language development, literary expansion and knowledge publication.
“From a small institution, DBP has grown into a symbol of the nation’s language struggle through its production of dictionaries, grammar books, Jawi spelling guides and literary works,” he said.
He added that amid the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), the spirit of preserving and advancing the Malay language must remain strong to ensure it continues as a language of knowledge, unity and the future.
He also commended DBP Sarawak, established in 1977, for its commitment in promoting language and literature in the state, while expressing hope that such initiatives would continue to inspire younger generations in upholding the national language.
Also present were DBP Director-General, Datuk Dr Hazami Jahari; Gedong District Officer, Jamain Wahab; Simunjan District Education Officer, Hasbi Ancheh; and DBP Board Member, Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir.
