KUCHING: The initiative made by the National Archives of Malaysia to document colloquial language is one of the efforts to preserve and publicise national heritage so it can remain, referred to and be appreciated by future generations to come.
Ministry of Unity deputy sec-gen Mohamad Sobri Mat Daud said as a ministry that oversees the National Archives of Malaysia, the ministry always supports these efforts in order to create a country inhabited by its people who are united, harmonious and have their own identity.
“Organisations and individuals are also welcome to contribute materials on culture and heritage to save, preserve and at the same time be used as reference materials at the National Archives of Malaysia
“Sarawak has various ethnic groups that practice their own culture and way of life and use their own language and dialect, thus encouraging each ethnic group to form their own cultural identity according to their environment.
“This diversity of languages and dialects plays an important role in shaping the ethnic and sub-ethnic cultural identity within the Sarawak community.”
Mohamad Sobri was representing National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang in launching the ‘Bicara Bahasa Kolokial: Rindok Ati Kelaka Sarawak’ event at Pullman Hotel here on today (Nov 9).
He said Sarawak as a state is inhabited by 28 ethnic groups with the largest ethnic group being Iban followed by Chinese, Malay, Bidayuh, Melanau and Orang Ulu.
He added that this programme is held to talk about colloquial languages, which is the language of conversation or spoken language in everyday interaction of the community.
“I would like to suggest all parties take part in empowering themselves and invite all Sarawakians to preserve and document culture, language and anything related to ethnicity.
“The younger generation must continue the nation’s cultural heritage and needs to be ready to take on the role of preserving and maintaining their respective ethnic identities,” he said when reading Aaron’s text speech.
The ‘Bicara Bahasa Kolokial: Rindok Ati Kelaka Sarawak’ event is the fourth programme conducted by the National Archives of Malaysia, previously held in Pahang, Sabah, and Perak.
Also present at the event was National Archives of Malaysia director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek.
