Malay Language Usage Under Threat
By Azrol Azmi

Bandar Seri Begawan - With the rapid pace of globalisation and the use of English language gaining in popularity among the children in Brunei, the use of Malay language, which is the mother tongue of Bruneians, among the younger generation is under threat.

Dr Mataim bin Bakar, Director of Language and Literature Bureau expressed his concern on the lack of Malay language books for children in Brunei.

The Malay language reflects the culture of Brunei. Although English language could be simpler in comparison to Malay, the use of English language among the Malay community should be cut down to help preserve the Malay language and indirectly the Malay culture, said Dr Mataim.

Dr Mataim spoke to the media yesterday after signing memoranda of agreement with 26 local writers at the Language and Literature Bureau. (See also Page 16)

He also said Brunei will soon have its own National Library to promote and encourage the reading culture. The library is currently in the planning stages and negotiations are still on, he said, adding that it will be one of the projects under the 9` National Development Plan.

Relevant authorities have given the green light to the proposal to build the National Library similar to the ones in the region. Apart from the national library project, efforts are also under way to provide youths and the public in general with easy accessibility to reading material all over Brunei.

There are two community libraries - in Muara and Pandan (Kuala Belait) - that provide ample reading material for the public, with plans to open more in other residential areas in Brunei.

The setting up of an e-library to meet the demands of the technology savvy is also a top priority, said the director, adding it would be up-to-date and beneficial to those who have keen interest in IT.

As far as updating the available reading materialin the public library, Dr Mataim said the bureau now has an annual budget of $400,000 to purchase and update books and reading material in comparison to $250,000 before.

He urged parents to start the habit of allocating a sum monthly to purchase books for their children to encourage the reading habit and to set up a reading corner at homes. Village councils and youth communities should also organise reading activities to complement the efforts of the government, he added.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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