By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will strengthen the use of the national language in public spaces and official matters as it confronts the challenges of digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state will also promote pantun, Jawi script, research into ethnic languages and literature, and books by Sabah writers.
He said young Sabahans, digital influencers and players in the creative industry should use technology to promote the language.
Hajiji was speaking at the state-level National Language Month 2026 celebration at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah.
The State Government, he said, will continue to work with DBP and the Ministry of Education to elevate the national language and literature through activities, research and publications.
Hajiji praised DBP for expanding its publications, including works with local perspectives, for nurturing young writers, and for documenting local languages and heritage.
He said Sabah aims to be a model state for excellence in knowledge, literature and the national language, adding that efforts to position Kota Kinabalu as a City of Literature must be intensified.
He welcomed the Bahasa Kita, Tanggungjawab Kita carnival, which includes forums on language use in the media, Jawi script and pantun recitation.
The younger generation must master other languages to stay competitive, but not at the expense of the national language, especially on social media, he said.
“Amid the widespread use of social media, the spirit of prioritising the correct and courteous use of the national language must remain strong.
“Freedom of expression must be guided by courtesy and proper language,” he said.
On this year’s theme, “Our Language, Our Identity”, Hajiji said it reflects Bahasa Jiwa Bangsa — language as more than a tool for daily communication. It is a reflection of identity, character, thought and values.
In Sabah, he said, Bahasa Melayu unites diverse ethnic groups, cultures and dialects, enabling Sabahans to communicate and work together.
Elevating the national language does not mean restricting or marginalising mother tongues and ethnic languages, he stressed.
He called on Malaysians to make the national language a language of unity, knowledge and pride.
Also present were Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, Sabah Information Department director Jainisah Mohd Noor, and DBP Sabah branch director Jennitah Noordin.
Hajiji visits a book exhibition at the launch of the Sabah-level national language month.
