Two academics from Universiti Malaya suggest making Bahasa Melayu the official language of Asean, sparking debate about practicality, influence, and cultural diversity.
Two academics from Universiti Malaya have sparked debate by calling for Bahasa Melayu (BM) to become the official language of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( Asean ). They argue that Malaysia risks losing influence within the regional bloc unless BM gains official recognition. However, their proposal has faced widespread criticism, with many questioning its practicality and feasibility.
Critics point out the diversity of languages within Asean, highlighting that only a handful of countries use languages closely related to BM. They argue that making BM the official language would create confusion and hinder effective communication among member states. Furthermore, they question the academics' assumptions about Malaysia's influence within Asean, noting that English is already the dominant language for international communication. Some also express concern that prioritizing BM could come at the expense of promoting other regional languages and potentially undermine Malaysia's relationships with its Asean neighbours.The debate has also touched upon broader issues of language policy and national identity. Some argue that promoting BM as an official Asean language is a way to assert Malaysia's cultural influence and strengthen its role in the region. Others, however, view it as an attempt to impose one language on a diverse community and disregard the existing linguistic landscape of Southeast Asia. The debate highlights the complex challenges of managing language diversity within a regional organization and the need for a balanced approach that respects the cultural identities of all member states
ASEAN Bahasa Melayu Malaysia Academics Language Policy International Relations
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Asean Business Advisory Council Unveils 12 Initiatives to Drive Regional Growth and CollaborationThe Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) has launched 12 strategic initiatives, including the Asean Business Entity (ABE) framework, to boost economic integration, inclusivity, and regional collaboration. The ABE framework proposes a new business category that grants selected companies greater operational flexibility within the Asean region. Other key initiatives include the Asean Private Capital Market Initiatives, Asean IPO Prospectus, Asean Talent Development and Mobility, Asean Common Carbon Framework, and Digital Exchange Platform Malaysia.
Read more »
ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 Concludes, Highlighting Region's Strength and Commitment to Sustainable TourismThe ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 (ATF 2025) concluded in Malaysia, emphasizing ASEAN's position as a dynamic tourism destination. The forum focused on fostering sustainable, resilient, and inclusive tourism through various meetings, including those involving ASEAN+3, India, and Russia. Key discussions centered around the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan, plans for the 2026-2030 strategy, joint marketing efforts, and the importance of cultural preservation and community-based tourism. Alongside the ministerial meetings, the ASEAN Travel Exchange (Travex) provided a platform for industry professionals to connect and explore tourism opportunities.
Read more »
Malaysia's Asean Chair Sets Stage with Foreign Ministers' Retreat in LangkawiThe Asean Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AMM) in Langkawi, Malaysia, will be a pivotal event, shaping the trajectory of Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship for 2025. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan emphasized the importance of the retreat, stating that discussions and agreements reached will be presented at high-level meetings involving Asean heads of state. One of the key discussions will focus on Asean's vision post-2025, with Malaysia leading the High-Level Task Force on Asean Community’s Post-2025 Vision (HLTF-ACV). Over 200 delegates from Asean member states and Timor-Leste are expected to attend the retreat, which will be held at the Langkawi International Convention Centre.
Read more »
Malaysia Unveils 12 New Initiatives as ASEAN Chair in 2025Malaysia announced 12 new initiatives to be spearheaded during its chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. The initiatives were unveiled at the 102nd ASEAN-BAC Council Meeting in George Town, alongside the signing of 33 strategic collaborations and three MoUs aimed at boosting regional economic integration. Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of ASEAN-BAC Malaysia, stressed the importance of these initiatives in transforming the ASEAN economic landscape, which is currently the world's fifth-largest economy. He also highlighted three key advantages Malaysia's leadership brings: a deeper understanding of ASEAN's potential and limitations, a fresh spirit of regional cooperation, and ASEAN's neutral position amidst global political tensions.
Read more »
Malaysia Leads Asean Effort to Curb OverfishingThe Malaysian Fisheries Department (DOF) is spearheading a regional initiative to reduce overfishing across Asean member countries from 2024 to 2026. The project focuses on managing excess fishing capacity within Asean nations' exclusive economic zones (EEZs) to ensure sustainable fish stocks. The DOF is actively involved in various regional programs and platforms, including the Asean Sectoral Working Group on Fisheries (ASWGFi) and the Asean Network for Combating IUU Fishing (AN-IUU), to address illegal fishing and promote sustainable fisheries management.
Read more »
Squabble erupts after lack of quorum flaggedOzzy Osbourne will reunite with all of the original members of Black Sabbath for the first time in 20 years.
Read more »