‘Salam Sejahtera, ‘Terima Kasih’ going international

KUANTAN: The phrases 'Salam Sejahtera' and 'Terima Kasih' will now be heard more at international conferences as part of the effort to empower the Malay Language.

Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said this was part of the ministry's effort to promote the national language without any financial implications.

He said although the Malay Language was not an international diplomatic language, but depending on the situation, it could be used by Malaysian delegations, including Malaysian ambassadors overseas.

“I used the phrases ‘salam sejahtera' and ‘terima kasih' in my speech at the United Nations General Assembly to honour Mandela recently.

“Hopefully, this will encourage other nations to use the Malaysian national language, like the use of 'sawadikap' by the Thai people which is popular and commonly used,” he said.

Saifuddin was speaking to reporters after officiating a workshop on Empowering the Professionalism of Malay Language Teachers, Kuantan, organised by the Pahang State Library Corporation here yesterday.

He said beginning next year, the ministry would give away Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) books as official souvenirs from Malaysian representatives to foreign guests or dignitaries as part of the effort to promote the Malay Language.

Saifuddin who is also MP for Indera Mahkota said the ministry was working with the Education Ministry to boost the 'Education Malaysia' programme which would promote the language and culture internationally.

"Education Malaysia has been implemented in several countries where there are many Malaysian students and together with Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik, we are hoping that in the future, it will be the British Council programme.

“The Foreign Ministry is prepared to provide the premises because we already have office space, and the rental overseas is very high, this could save costs,” he said.

Saifuddin added his ministry was also prepared to help other ministries, the corporate sector, professional groups and nongovernmental organisations promote the Malay Language internationally, including through films and literature. - Bernama