BINTULU: Local authorities should ensure that all forms of signage in public places display the proper use of Bahasa Melayu (BM).
Abang Johari (third left) showing a book published by DBP during the launching ceremony as Talib (second left) and others look on.
Be they for commercial purposes, road signs or even to mark a house, only the correct form of Bahasa Melayu should be used to reflect its status as the national language and identity of all Malaysians, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
His text of speech was read by Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg when representing the chief minister at the opening of the state-level National Language Month 2014 at the Civic Centre here on Wednesday night.
“I hope all local authorities will review and monitor all signage under their respective supervision,” he stressed.
In order to strengthen usage of the national language, Adenan said the state government would work closely with the federal government, particularly Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).
“The government is always supporting the strategy and approach of DBP in realising the aspiration of making Bahasa Melayu an influential language in the world by year 2020,” he added.
According to him, the national language is a uniting factor that binds the multi-racial people together as each ethnic group has its own heritage and language.
“The government will continue to provide strong support to every effort to consolidate and strengthen the identity and image of true Malaysians through the national language,” said Adenan.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip, deputy state secretary Datu Misnu Taha, DBP deputy director-general Professor Dr Zaharani Ahmad, Bintulu Development Authority general manager Datu Mohidin Ishak, Deputy Resident (Social) Richard Michael Abu Nawas and DBP state director Dr Hazami Jahari.