(Kuching, 22nd) National identity is not built on forcing people to give up their mother tongues, but is shaped by making the Malay language a common platform respected by all, said Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Tun Abdul Razak Campus, Malay Studies lecturer Nur Effariza Taib.
She pointed out that Malay is not only a tool for communication, but also a space where Malaysians share meaning, values, and life experiences.
She observed in her classroom that Malay acts as a bridge between students from different backgrounds, and through discussion, debate, and writing, promotes a sense of cohesion.
She told the Sarawak Tribune: “The national language is the cornerstone of national identity, especially in a multilingual society like Malaysia. Its role is not to erase differences, but to create common ground.”
“The constitution has established Malay as the national language. More importantly, in daily life, it unifies public discourse, knowledge, governance, and culture. Without a common language, national identity can easily fragment and split into isolated small groups.”
She added that proficiency in Malay does not necessarily equate to loyalty to the country.
“Some students deeply love Malaysia, but their educational environment gives them fewer opportunities to use Malay widely. The key is the attitude towards the national language—respecting it, being willing to learn, and using it in public spaces,” she said.
She emphasized that Malaysia’s linguistic diversity, including Mandarin, Tamil, Iban, Kadazan, and other mother tongues, does not weaken national identity.
“On the contrary, such diversity enriches the uniqueness of Malaysia’s multicultural society,” she said.
Nur Effariza outlined three key functions of the Malay language: First, it promotes social unity through inclusive communication; second, it meets administrative and educational needs in judicial, school, and public service sectors; third, together with the national flag and anthem, it symbolizes national sovereignty.
On balancing mother tongue education with Malay proficiency, she believes the education system must ensure all types of schools meet the same standard of Malay language teaching, while preserving mother tongues as cultural heritage.
She said: “Schools should encourage the use of Malay in inter-school, university, and community activities, cultivating citizens who are multilingual but have a deep sense of Malaysian identity.”
“This approach is more constructive than a punitive tone. Our ultimate goal is to nurture multilingual citizens with a strong Malaysian spirit.”
She added: “As an educator, I think language issues should not be seen only as political issues, but rather as issues of education, attitude, and space for interaction.”
She pointed out that Malay is not only a tool for communication, but also a space where Malaysians share meaning, values, and life experiences.
She observed in her classroom that Malay acts as a bridge between students from different backgrounds, and through discussion, debate, and writing, promotes a sense of cohesion.
She told the Sarawak Tribune: “The national language is the cornerstone of national identity, especially in a multilingual society like Malaysia. Its role is not to erase differences, but to create common ground.”
She added that proficiency in Malay does not necessarily equate to loyalty to the country.
“Some students deeply love Malaysia, but their educational environment gives them fewer opportunities to use Malay widely. The key is the attitude towards the national language—respecting it, being willing to learn, and using it in public spaces,” she said.
She emphasized that Malaysia’s linguistic diversity, including Mandarin, Tamil, Iban, Kadazan, and other mother tongues, does not weaken national identity.
“On the contrary, such diversity enriches the uniqueness of Malaysia’s multicultural society,” she said.
Nur Effariza outlined three key functions of the Malay language: First, it promotes social unity through inclusive communication; second, it meets administrative and educational needs in judicial, school, and public service sectors; third, together with the national flag and anthem, it symbolizes national sovereignty.
On balancing mother tongue education with Malay proficiency, she believes the education system must ensure all types of schools meet the same standard of Malay language teaching, while preserving mother tongues as cultural heritage.
She said: “Schools should encourage the use of Malay in inter-school, university, and community activities, cultivating citizens who are multilingual but have a deep sense of Malaysian identity.”
“This approach is more constructive than a punitive tone. Our ultimate goal is to nurture multilingual citizens with a strong Malaysian spirit.”
She added: “As an educator, I think language issues should not be seen only as political issues, but rather as issues of education, attitude, and space for interaction.”