Malay Language as the Language of Science and Technology: A Call to Action for Our Leaders

The Malay language has long been established as the official language, the national language, the language of knowledge, and the language of unity in Malaysia. Its status is clearly enshrined in Article 152 of the Federal Constitution, mandating its use in official matters. However, the question remains: have we truly upheld the role of Malay as a language of knowledge, particularly in the fields of science and technology?

A Brief History of Malay in Education

For over 30 years, the Malay language served as the medium of instruction across various levels of education. In the early 1970s, English-based examinations like the Lower Certificate of Education (LCE) were replaced with Malay-language alternatives such as the Sijil Rendah Pelajaran (SRP) and later, the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). By the 1980s, the shift extended to universities, where even faculties of engineering, medicine, and law adopted Malay as the primary language of instruction.

This transition marked a significant milestone in the elevation of Malay as a language capable of conveying complex scientific and technical knowledge. It demonstrated Malaysia’s commitment to building a knowledge-based society grounded in its national identity.

The Setback: PPSMI and the Decline of Malay in Science

In 2002, the progress made in using Malay as a language of science and technology suffered a major blow. The then-Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, introduced the policy of Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English (PPSMI). The implementation was immediate and widespread, reversing three decades of efforts to position Malay as a language of science. Overnight, the academic and scientific resources developed in Malay were sidelined, and the prestige of the language in scientific discourse began to diminish.

The consequences were far-reaching. The decline of Malay in the educational sphere extended into other domains such as advertising, business, and even official events, where English was often preferred. The adoption of English as the language of instruction for science and mathematics contributed to a growing perception that Malay was inadequate for higher-level discourse, especially in technical fields.

The Revival Attempt and the Emergence of DLP

In 2012, the government acknowledged the flaws of PPSMI. Then-Minister of Education Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin decided to phase out the policy, recognizing its negative impact. However, instead of a complete reversal, a new program, the Dual Language Program (DLP), was quietly introduced. This initiative allowed certain schools to continue teaching science and mathematics in English, effectively creating a two-tier system that further undermined the role of Malay in education.

DLP, like its predecessor PPSMI, continues to erode the status of Malay as a language of science and technology. While its proponents argue that it improves English proficiency, the reality is more complex. The program has led to a gradual decline in the use of Malay in scientific contexts, weakening the foundation built over decades.

The Role of Leadership in Language Policy

The history of language policy in Malaysia has shown that leadership plays a crucial role. Most past Prime Ministers were not strong advocates for the Malay language in this regard. However, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the current Prime Minister, has a long-standing history of championing the Malay language, even from his student days at the University of Malaya. His opposition to English-language signage at the university in the past reflects his commitment to the language.

Given this background, there is hope that the current Prime Minister can take decisive action to address the decline of Malay as a language of science and technology. The call to abolish DLP is a critical step in reversing the trend and restoring Malay as a respected medium for conveying scientific knowledge.

A Call to Abolish DLP: Upholding Article 152

The Malay language’s survival as a language of science and technology hinges on political will and the courage to make tough decisions. The persistence of DLP undermines efforts to elevate Malay as a language of knowledge. It is not merely a policy issue but a matter of national pride and cultural heritage. The Prime Minister, as a staunch advocate of the Malay language, is in a unique position to lead this change.

Malaysia has shown that it is capable of bold moves in various sectors; the same courage is needed to strengthen the status of Malay as a language of science. Without the abolition of DLP, the ongoing efforts to promote Malay will remain superficial, limited to public rhetoric rather than substantive action. Malay must not be relegated to casual conversation or used only in informal settings; it should be the vehicle for transmitting knowledge in lecture halls, seminars, and scientific conferences.

Conclusion: A Matter of National Dignity

It is imperative for leaders to respect and uphold Article 152, not just in speeches but through concrete actions that reinforce the status of Malay as the national language. The value of the Malay language is far too significant to be dismissed. If we fail to act now, we risk losing our linguistic heritage and compromising our national identity.

As citizens who cherish our country’s cultural and intellectual pillars, we urge the Prime Minister and the Minister of Education to take swift and bold steps. The time has come to end policies that diminish the role of the Malay language and instead, foster a national education system where Malay thrives as a language of science and technology. Let us not wait until it is too late, where the damage to our linguistic heritage is irreversible.