Dr. Hazami Jahari, the director-general of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), expressed concern over Malaysians’ apparent embarrassment in using Bahasa Melayu, calling it a form of “mental colonization.”
Hazami highlighted how this attitude undermines the language’s value and significance in a recent interview with Astro Awani.
He lamented the lack of pride in Bahasa Melayu, saying, ‘I am confused and shocked. Malaysia is the weirdest country in the world. It has its own language, but the citizens just don’t use it.’
Hazami then contrasted this with nations like France, China, Japan, and Thailand, where citizens uphold their national languages with pride.
Do you see French people speaking English? Or Chinese people? Or Japanese people? All these major countries are proud to use their own language.”
“But in Malaysia, citizens are too embarrassed to speak our own language […] this is because Malaysians feel too insecure about speaking Bahasa Malaysia.”
He further emphasized that the stigma surrounding Bahasa Melayu perpetuates the belief that it lacks economic value or quality, which, he argued, hinders the nation’s cultural identity and progress.
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Hazami pointed out that leaders face the challenge of restoring confidence and love for the language among the people.
If it’s said that Malay cannot express knowledge, UKM has required theses to be written in Malay for 50 years, and it has produced many experts.”
He added that the Malaysian education system operates fully in Malay without flaws.
“The issue is not the language itself but our own self-doubt, likely influenced by a colonial legacy we no longer need,” he said.
Hazami stressed that becoming a developed nation involves more than just technological and scientific advancements.
“A nation’s identity is rooted in its language and arts.This is why DBP continues to advocate for the revitalization and pride of Bahasa Melayu in Malaysia,” he concluded.
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