BY Lyna Mohamad

The Dudun Language and Literature Bureau (DBP), an initiative to dignify the Malay language through its Language Construction and Development Division, was held on the sidelines of Tutongku Ceria on Sunday.

Deputy Permanent Secretary (Laws, International and Research) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Haji Ahmad Nizam bin Dato Paduka Haji Ismail was the guest of honour.

The activity was held in conjunction with the Language Month 2022 celebration.

It aimed to encourage the community to preserve, empower and make the Malay language sovereign to support His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s titah during the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the establishment of DBP on September 17, 2011 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

His Majesty emphasised the importance of upholding the sovereignty of the Malay language in the Sultanate and underscored that Bahasa Melayu was regulated in the 1959 Constitution of Brunei Darussalam and an amendment made in 2004 for Malay to be the main language of the country.

“This also signifies that the Malay language will not be overruled by other languages in its role in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the concept of culture and approach of the Malay language,” His Majesty said.

The event’s objectives were to preserve the Malay language as the official language of the country and national identity, enliven the Language Month 2022 celebration, and improve the understanding of the importance of the language among public members.

The event, conducted every two months nationwide, serves to disseminate the proper use of Malay to improve language skills and help to correct common mistakes in speech or writing.

The activities included knowledge-based games such as Apa Bendanya tu?, Cambah Kata, Junjung Dialek, Cantum-cantum, Sahiba Rumi, Roda Putar, Cerdik dan Ceria, Teka Perambahan Brunei, Capat-capat Manang, Kuiz Pustaka, Baca dan Rol, Ular dan Tangga, Lagu Kanak-kanak Tradisi Brunei and Lakaran Dalam Kegalapan.

DBP’s publications and books were also showcased.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin