INFORMATION MINISTRY AND BEIJING UNIVERSITY COLLABORATE ON MALAY LANGUAGE

SEREMBAN (Malaysia), Oct 3 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Information
Communication and Culture is collaborating with the University of Beijing, China
in enriching the national language, which is the Malay Language.

Its minister, Dr Rais Yatim said several researchers were being identified
and the ministry was providing the necessary facilities to them to carry out
their research.

"We have asked one group comprising Chinese students at the university to
undertake the research works," he told reporters after launching the Lantern
Festival 2009 organised by the southern state of Negeri Sembilan Chinese
Assembly Hall, here Friday night.

Rais also said that all non-Malays who could write were encouraged to do so
in the national language to enrich the language.

For this purpose, he said the ministry would try to give recognition and
prominence for their works commensurate with their efforts in future.

"This is important, otherwise the Malay Language will only be used in
academic writing by the Malays only, whereas it is our national language.

"Thus, we encourage every ethnic group to use the national language in their
creative works. Beginning next year, we will encourage writings in the Malay
Language by the non-Malays.

Meanwhile, he said the ministry would continue to promote the culture of all
the ethnic groups in the country.
-- BERNAMA