WALD 2017 best platform to promote Arabic — ISESCO

KUALA LUMPUR: The World Arabic Language Day (WALD 2017) programme currently underway at several local universities is the best platform for promoting the Arabic language in this country.

Islamic Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation ( ISESCO) Malaysia director Dr Abdul Razif Zaini said the programme provide opportunities for those interested to experience the importance of Arabic in all aspects.

“The position of Arabic in Malaysia is at a good level. However, there is much to be done, especially in terms of communication. Arabic is very important for Muslims to understand the Quran and the Hadith, and for daily prayers,” he said when met at WALD 2017, here on Saturday.

The WALD 2017 programme is jointly organised by ISESCO and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia ( UKM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia ( USIM) and Selangor International Islamic University College ( KUIS).

Activities lined-up include short video contest, khat calligraphy, quiz, poetry, debate, play and storytelling. WALD is celebrated on Dec 18 in conjunction with its selection by United Nations ( UN) as one of its official languages.

Abdul Razif said SESCO plays a role in helping to uplift Arabic in this country but at the same time need the support and contribution from all various to make it a success.

The ISESCO Malaysia Education Centre was set up on Oct 22, 2015 and is one of the centres under the main organisation based in Rabat, Morocco.

Its other members include Brunei, Myanmar, China, Taiwan, Laos, Singapore, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam. — Bernama