KUCHING: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) must continue exploring new frontiers, including science and technology, to remain relevant in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment, said its Director-General Datuk Dr Hazami Jahari.
He said the institution has reached a significant milestone after seven decades of service.
He was speaking at the launch of his book Agenda Pemikiran Hazami Jahari, Ketua Pengarah DBP here Tuesday (June 23).
Dr Hazami said DBP has achieved a level of maturity that enables it to navigate the challenges of change and transformation while remaining guided by government policies, public aspirations and national interests.
He said that the agency’s role today extends beyond promoting language and literature, as it also contributes to strengthening constitutional values and nation-building through knowledge development.
“Language is the vehicle that unites the aspirations and ambitions of the nation, literature forms the foundation of civilisation and publishing serves as evidence and a source of inspiration documenting Malaysia’s achievements,” he said.
According to him, the publication contains 70 selected speeches delivered between 2023 and 2025, reflecting DBP’s achievements, challenges and strategic direction during the period.
He added that the collection also serves as a platform for assessing the success of the DBP Strategic Plan 2021–2025 while laying the groundwork for the agency’s next strategic roadmap from 2026 to 2030.
Dr Hazami said the symbolic compilation demonstrates the close relationship between language, literature and publishing, which continue to underpin Malaysia’s intellectual and cultural development.
“I hope this book will help the public understand DBP’s struggle and direction while appreciating its role in implementing the mandate of Article 152 of the Federal Constitution,” he said.
The book also includes four keynote papers adapted from Dr Hazami’s speeches and thoughts throughout his tenure as Director-General, offering readers a broader perspective on the future of DBP and national language development.
