KUCHING: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) reaffirmed its continuous commitment to elevating Bahasa Melayu in the legal field through the ‘Symposium on the Empowerment of the National Language in Syariah Courts’.
The meaningful event brought together legal practitioners, academicians, students, and language experts to discuss strengthening the use of the national language in Malaysia’s legal system, particularly in syariah courts.
DBP Director-General, Dr Hazami Jahari, expressed his deepest appreciation to all participants, noting that language plays a vital role in every field, especially law, where it shapes communication, interpretation, and justice.
“Language is not only a basic tool of communication within the legal system but also influences how laws are understood, implemented, and upheld,” he said.
He stated this in his speech at the ‘Symposium on the Empowerment of the National Language in Syariah Courts’ held at the DBP Sarawak Cultural Hall today.
Hazami said, on 27 February 2025, DBP, together with strategic partners from the Faculty of Law at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the Legal Aid Department, the Malaysian Bar Council, and the Muslim Lawyers Association of Malaysia organised the ‘Symposium on the Empowerment of the National Language in Legal Affairs’ in Kuala Lumpur.
“The event gathered legal professionals, academics, and students on one platform, allowing a broader exchange of ideas to strengthen the use of Bahasa Melayu in the field of law nationwide,” he said.
Among the key figures contributing to the discussion was Datuk Kamal Bashah Ahmad Tajudin, Chief Syarie Judge of the Negeri Sembilan Syariah Judiciary Department, who presented insights that inspired the idea of organising a dedicated syariah-focused symposium.
According to Hazami, the aspiration remains the same: to democratise legal understanding and uphold the national language as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s legal identity, particularly in the syariah judiciary.
He said DBP, as the government agency responsible for language planning, continues its mission by hosting the ‘Symposium on the Empowerment of the National Language as the Language of the Syariah Courts’ in Kuching following its success in Kuala Lumpur.
“This symposium once again gathers legal experts, practitioners, academics, and students on a scholarly platform to discuss the development and application of Bahasa Melayu in syariah courts,” he said.
Retaining the theme ‘Democratising Law, Upholding the National Language’, the symposium provides a strategic avenue to reinforce the implementation and appreciation of Bahasa Melayu in the legal sector.
He welcomed ideas, suggestions and recommendations arising from the discussions, describing the symposium as a constructive intellectual forum to exchange knowledge and perspectives on strengthening the national language in law.
“I hope that the insights and recommendations shared will help fortify the use of Bahasa Melayu in Malaysia’s legal landscape, enhancing its position as the language of knowledge, justice and national identity,” he said.
