by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 24: In addition to promoting the use of Bahasa Melayu, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) is intensifying its efforts to preserve and promote Sarawak’s native languages, particularly those at risk of extinction.
Among initiatives it is taking is establishing a special committee to document and preserve Sarawak’s native languages.
“We want the community to continue to recognise and appreciate that Sarawak has a very valuable linguistic heritage, and this documentation effort is important for future generations,” DBP director-general Dr Hazami Jahari was quoted by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) as saying when met by reporters after paying a courtesy visit to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari.
Hazami added that various language and literature development activities, including native languages and literature, have received full contributions and assistance from the State government.
He further stressed that DBP will continue to carry out various initiatives to strengthen the use of Bahasa Melayu while respecting the uniqueness and legal factors of the State and its various ethnic communities.
During the meeting, DBP also shared language and literature development activities in the State, as well as extended an official invitation to the Sarawak Premier to attend the Sarawak Premier’s Best Book Award (Anugerah Buku Terbaik Premier Sarawak) ceremony.
The award aims to recognise the best published works produced in Sarawak, especially those supported through grants or allocations from the State government.
The award ceremony is scheduled to take place soon, subject to a date to be determined by the Sarawak Premier’s Office.
“This is an important form of recognition by the State government that shows commitment to the development of knowledge and scholarship in Sarawak,” Hazami shared. – DayakDaily
