KUALA LUMPUR: The use of the Malay language for correspondence with government departments is crucial to promote the importance of the national language among Malaysians and to protect its sovereignty and position.
Expressing support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement yesterday on the usage of the Malay language in government offices, president of the Federation of Peninsular Malay Students (GPMS) Muhd Fazreen Ismadi said the move was also important to ensure the clarity and integrity of government communication.
"GPMS wants to emphasise that the use of the Malay language as an official language is significant in preserving national identity and strengthening unity among the people.
"This decision will also help create positive effects in the fields of education, employment, and social, as well as ensure fairness in access to government services," he said in a statement.
Yesterday, Anwar in his speech at the opening of the National Language Decade Carnival and National Reading Decade, reminded government departments not to entertain any letters written in a language other than the national language from local companies.
Muhd Fazreen said he hoped that there would be efforts to continue strengthening the Malay language for a more united and advanced Malaysia.
"Even though Malaysia has been independent for almost seven decades, the people are still confused on the usage of the Malay language in daily affairs, up to official government correspondence.
"We should be more firm and warn any party who deliberately practises a careless attitude and disobeys the Federal Constitution," he said.