Malay Language as the State Emblem of Malaysia

Abstract

Malaysia has its own identity through nationhood symbols. These nationhood symbols include the National Flag, the National Coat of Arms, the National Flower, the National Language and the National Anthem. This article discusses the Malay language as a symbol of Malaysia's nationalism. The methodology uses bibliographic research methods by referring to books, journals, magazines and print media copies. The results of the study found that the Malay language is one of the identities of the Malaysian nation that acts as a symbol of Malaysian identity, the unification of the voice of Malaysians, and a medium for unity among the plural society in Malaysia. As stated in the 1957 Education Ordinance, the Malay language serves as a medium to increase the understanding of unity among the plural society in Malaysia. The position of the Malay language continues to be strengthened when it is elevated as the main medium of instruction in the national education system as a part of the process of building a nation. The Malay language continued to expand with the emergence of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and the National University of Malaysia (UKM). This means that the Malay language symbolises Malaysia to the world. Furthermore, the Malay language is closely related to other ethnic languages ​​spoken in the archipelago. It is hope that the Malay language as stated in Article 152 in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia continues to be used as a part of ‘Language is the Soul of the Nation's.