SHAH ALAM, May 9 — The Alumni Federation of Universiti Teknologi Mara (PAUiTM) has proposed that the university be granted Royal University status, in recognition of its significant role and contributions to the nation since its establishment.

PAUiTM said the proposal was in line with the royal address by the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, who is also UiTM Pro-Chancellor, during the First Session of the 104th UiTM Convocation Ceremony last Wednesday (May 6), in which she described the public university as a “Royal University”.

Drawing on the wisdom and foresight of the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, PAUiTM is of the view that it is highly appropriate for UiTM to be proclaimed a Royal University, in view of its significant role and contributions to the nation.

“More significantly, Article 1(A) of the Universiti Teknologi Mara Act 1976 (Act 173) provides that the university is established in accordance with Article 153 of the Federal Constitution, thereby underscoring UiTM’s special position and the great trust placed in it within the country’s higher education landscape.

“PAUiTM holds the view that Her Royal Highness’ call for UiTM to be protected against any efforts that could undermine or distort its original purpose of establishment is a very clear position that should be respected by all parties,” the alumni said in a post on their official Facebook page yesterday.

PAUiTM also conveyed its gratitude for the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor’s address in conjunction with the UiTM Convocation Ceremony, which carried profound messages, values, and reminders for university staff and alumni.

The alumni said Her Royal Highness’ address not only highlighted academic excellence but also underscored UiTM’s role as an institution founded on the nation’s trust to empower the education of the people, particularly the Malays, Orang Asli, and natives of Sabah and Sarawak, in accordance with Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and Act 173.

“Her Royal Highness’ address also carried a balanced and mature message, emphasising the importance of preserving harmony in a plural society, respecting cultural diversity, and ensuring that the legitimate interests of all races continue to be protected in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

“Although UiTM fundamentally upholds the Bumiputera empowerment agenda, the institution has produced competent professionals serving the country across various disciplines and sectors, and has indeed proven its ability to produce high-quality graduates,” according to the post.

PAUiTM also welcomed Her Royal Highness’ emphasis on the importance of knowledge, competitiveness and readiness among the younger generation in confronting geopolitical challenges, global economic changes, as well as the rapid advancement of technology. 

“Today’s graduates must possess not only skills, but also wisdom, moral values and the ability to lead society guided with a sense of humanity.

“In this regard, PAUiTM will continue to remain committed to working with the university to strengthen alumni networks through the unification of alumni associations at campus, faculty and club levels, as well as contributing expertise and safeguarding UiTM’s legacy as a bastion of knowledge and a catalyst for national development over the past seven decades,” the post said. — Bernama

First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, visited the University of Havana this Wednesday morning, where he met with professors dedicated to research and the development of results in the field of Artificial Intelligence

MELAKA, May 8 — The proposed Political Funding Bill is still under study and has yet to secure consensus from all political parties, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said today.

The de facto law minister said agreement from all parties is essential as they will be the main stakeholders and users of the proposed legislation.

“Before the general election? I honestly do not know. It is difficult for me to comment because I do not even know myself,” she was quoted by nationale newswire Bernama as replying when asked if the Bill could be tabled before the next general election.

Azalina was speaking to reporters after attending a signing ceremony between Multimedia University and the Legal Affairs Division, as well as the launch of a legal aid clinic initiative.

She said discussions on political funding are ongoing, with several key policy issues still unresolved, including public funding for parties, contribution limits and the body that will oversee political funds.

She said the matter has been discussed within political circles during GE15 back in 2023, but has yet to reach the formal drafting stage at the Legal Affairs Division.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — The Malay language is gaining growing prominence in China, with at least 17 higher learning institutions now offering Malay-related programmes amid strengthening regional and economic ties between Malaysia and China.

This development is evident with at least 17 higher learning institutions in China now offering Malay language-related courses, including full degree programmes, reflecting growing interest in the language and civilisation of the Malay world.

National language and literary figure Senator Datuk Seri Professor Dr Awang Sariyan said of the total, 13 universities offer four-year Malay language degree programmes covering various aspects, comparable to programmes at local universities such as Universiti Malaya and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris.

“This is highly encouraging because Malay language studies in China are not limited to linguistics alone, but encompass all aspects of civilisation such as literature, culture, history, media and socioeconomics.

“The comprehensive approach also includes analytical training on current issues in Malaysia, including local media content, thereby helping students understand the real context of the Malay society and the country,” he told Bernama.

Awang, who is also honorary adviser to the Centre for Malay Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), said besides degree programmes, two higher learning institutions offer three-year diploma programmes in Malay language studies, while several other universities provide Malay language courses for international relations purposes.

According to Awang, the development has also extended beyond universities, with teacher training colleges and secondary schools in southern China beginning to offer Malay language as an elective subject.

“In less than a decade, the growth has been very significant. When I first went to China, only three universities offered Malay language degree programmes, but now the number has increased rapidly,” said Awang, who previously held the Malaysian Government Chair of Malay Studies in China from 2008 to 2011 and from 2016 to 2018.

The Emeritus Professor at the Institute of the Malay World and Civilisation (ATMA), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said the increase was driven by close cooperation between Malaysia and China, including the role of educational institutions and active academic networks promoting Malay studies in China.

National language and literary figure Senator Datuk Seri Professor Awang Sariyan said universities in China have also shown a strong commitment by requiring at least one native Malay-speaking lecturer from Malaysia to ensure linguistic accuracy and cultural understanding. — Bernama pic

He said universities in China have also shown a strong commitment by requiring at least one native Malay-speaking lecturer from Malaysia to ensure linguistic accuracy and cultural understanding.

“They are willing to invest because they see long-term returns, including producing professionals such as translators, interpreters and executives capable of facilitating dealings between Chinese companies and agencies in Malaysia,” said Awang, who also holds the Malay Rulers’ Chair at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).

Awang said China’s approach of treating language as a ‘window to understand the world’ enables students not only to master the language, but also to understand the economy, history and social systems of the countries they study.

Meanwhile, Director of the Centre for Malay Studies at BFSU Professor Dr Su Ying Ying said Chinese students’ interest in the Malay language is driven by positive perceptions of Malaysia as a peaceful country with good relations with China.

“In the eyes of the Chinese society, Malaysia is peaceful, beautiful, its food is delicious, and its people are friendly and easy to get along with, making Malay language studies one of the choices for students pursuing higher education,” she said.

Su said most students are able to achieve good proficiency in Malay within two years despite having no prior foundation before entering university.

“During the first two years, students are exposed to basic skills such as speaking, listening, writing and translation before continuing to more in-depth studies including Malay literature, Malaysian history, the political system and ethnic relations.

“Students are not only learning the language, but are also required to understand Malaysia as a whole because language is closely linked to culture and society,” she said.

Su, who is also known as Suria, said it is currently estimated that between 500 and 530 students are studying Malay language courses throughout China, with more than 50 instructors involved in the field.

She said BFSU was among the earliest institutions to introduce Malay language studies in China and has now become a key reference centre for the development of the field.

“The broad career prospects are also a factor behind growing student interest, especially following increasingly strong economic ties between China and Malaysia.

“Many companies from China are establishing operations in Malaysia and require workers who can speak Malay. Although English can be used, proficiency in Malay provides a much greater advantage,” she said.

She added that job opportunities in language-related fields are now expanding, particularly in the corporate, trade and international relations sectors. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — Spoken daily by millions in Malaysia, Bahasa Melayu is far more than a national language; it is a linguistic heritage shaped by centuries of history across the Nusantara.

Historical records trace its role as a lingua franca as far back as the seventh century during the Sriwijaya Empire, a status that strengthened further under the Melaka Sultanate in the 13th century. It functioned as the language of administration, trade, and diplomacy, connecting diverse communities across the region.

Today, despite perceptions that Bahasa Melayu remains confined to South-east Asia, the language is spoken by an estimated 290 million people worldwide.

In Malaysia, efforts to elevate Bahasa Melayu onto the global stage have gained renewed momentum in recent years. Yet, these efforts are not without criticism, some question its global relevance, while others continue to undervalue its use domestically.

A language that travels easily

According to Dr Rozaimah Rashidin, Deputy President of the Malaysian Linguistics Association, Bahasa Melayu has long transcended geographical boundaries.

Beyond South-east Asia, it is spoken in places such as the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island in Australia, as well as communities in South Africa and Sri Lanka. The Malay diaspora has further expanded its reach, with speakers found in Saudi Arabia, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and even Los Angeles.

Globally, Bahasa Melayu, along with Bahasa Indonesia, ranks among the top 10 most spoken languages, with over 290 million speakers. It is also the fourth most widely used language on digital platforms and social media, underscoring its growing global presence.

Rozaimah notes that the language’s appeal lies partly in its accessibility. With a structured yet relatively simple grammatical system, it is considered easy to learn. In Malaysia, many foreign workers from countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Nepal achieve conversational fluency in a relatively short time.

The late Malay scholar Za’ba once described the language as “flexible and gentle,” a quality that continues to resonate today. In the age of social media, content creators, tourists, and influencers from abroad often pick up Bahasa Melayu quickly, using it confidently during their time in Malaysia.

However, Rozaimah emphasises that the future of any language depends heavily on what linguists call language attitude — the perceptions and emotional connection individuals have towards a language.

A desire to enjoy fresh durian as well as to see Malaysia’s beautiful beaches prompted Yang Zhi Jun, 21, from Chengdu, China to learn and master the Malay language. — Bernama pic

A positive attitude reflects pride, loyalty, and a commitment to using the language correctly. Conversely, a negative attitude emerges when a language is viewed as outdated or lacking economic value, or when foreign languages are excessively glorified at the expense of one’s own.

Interestingly, many foreigners demonstrate a strong appreciation for Bahasa Melayu, often inspiring a renewed sense of pride among Malaysians themselves.

A language of knowledge and influence

With approximately 7,168 active languages spoken worldwide today, Bahasa Melayu continues to carve its place as a language of knowledge and scholarship.

Its growing adoption by foreign learners, particularly in countries like China and the United Kingdom, has far-reaching implications, strengthening not only the language’s prestige but also Malaysia’s diplomatic and economic ties.

In China, universities such as Beijing Foreign Studies University and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies offer degree programmes in Bahasa Melayu. These initiatives have produced graduates who are not only fluent in the language but also deeply attuned to Malay cultural values, effectively serving as cultural ambassadors for Malaysia.

Meanwhile, institutions like the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, play a key role in sustaining Malay studies in Europe. Through research on classical manuscripts and modern sociolinguistics, Bahasa Melayu continues to gain recognition as an academic language of global relevance.

Translation efforts by international scholars have also brought Malay literary works to wider audiences, opening doors for global appreciation of its linguistic beauty and cultural depth.

While Bahasa Melayu has, in many ways, achieved international status, it remains in a phase of consolidation, still striving to rival dominant global languages such as English.

Director of the Centre for Malay Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), Prof Dr Su Ying Ying said the increasingly close Malaysia-China relations in recent years have driven interest among people in both countries to learn each other’s languages and understand each other’s cultures. — Bernama pic

Language as a reflection of culture

Language, Rozaimah explains, is often described as a mirror of culture. In the case of Bahasa Melayu, its elegance lies not only in its structure but also in the values it carries.

To learn the language is to step into the cultural world of the Nusantara, one shaped by courtesy, subtlety, and respect. Concepts such as budi bahasa (graciousness) and adab (proper conduct) are deeply embedded in the language, influencing not just communication but social behaviour as a whole.

For foreign learners, mastering Bahasa Melayu often becomes a gateway to understanding these cultural nuances. It helps bridge differences, reduces feelings of unfamiliarity, and fosters trust within communities.

Language, in this sense, is not merely a tool of communication; it is a bridge that connects people across cultures.

Echoing this sentiment, Prof Dr Su Ying Ying of Beijing Foreign Studies University highlights how the richness of Malay culture has contributed to the language’s growing appeal in China.

Currently, more than 500 students across 18 institutions in China are pursuing undergraduate studies in Bahasa Melayu. BFSU, which began offering the programme in 1961, remains a key centre for Malay language development in the country.

Su herself studied Bahasa Melayu at BFSU before continuing her postgraduate studies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. She notes that many students are drawn to Malaysia not only for academic reasons but also for its peaceful environment, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine.

“Students want to feel closer to Malaysia,” she says. “When they come here, they not only learn the language faster, but also experience the culture firsthand.”

Many achieve fluency within just two years. a testament to the language’s accessibility and enduring appeal. — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — A desire to savour the rich taste of fresh durian, the ‘king of fruits’ and to witness Malaysia’s beautiful beaches firsthand inspired Yang Zhi Jun from Chengdu, China, to learn and master the Malay language.

The 21-year-old, who chose to pursue Malay studies at Chengdu University of Foreign Languages, had dreamed of visiting Malaysia for the past three years.

That dream became a reality in late April when the third-year student arrived in Malaysia as one of 59 participants in the 2026 China-Malaysia Youth Language and Cultural Interaction Camp, organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) in collaboration with 13 higher education institutions in China.

Held from April 27 to 30, the camp aimed to strengthen bilateral ties between Malaysia and China in education, particularly through the promotion of the Malay language, cultural exchange, and youth leadership development.

Yang, who also goes by her Malay name Zarina, could hardly contain her excitement when sharing her experience with Bernama.

“Our visit was short, just three days, but I had the chance to taste real durian at Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang.

“In China, we usually get frozen durians imported from Malaysia, but if you want to taste fresh durian straight from the spiky fruit, you have to come to Malaysia,” she said.

Malay language as a career advantage

Another participant, 20-year-old Ratna Chen, a third-year Malay language major at Sichuan International Studies University, said her decision to learn Malay was influenced by the wide range of career opportunities in Malaysia, often highlighted by friends and family back home.

“Many seniors have secured good jobs in Malaysia and are earning well. For a brighter future, I chose to major in Malay at university.

“Although it was challenging at first, especially in terms of pronunciation and grammar, our lecturers, who are Malay teachers fluent in Mandarin, helped us a lot not only in mastering the language but also in understanding Malay culture and traditions,” she said.

Cultural appeal and Belt and Road influence

Director of the Centre for Malaysian Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), Prof Dr Su Ying Ying, said increasingly close Malaysia-China relations in recent years have encouraged people from both countries to learn each other’s languages and better understand their cultures.

She noted that Malaysia is widely seen in China as a culturally rich, safe and welcoming country, making it an attractive travel destination.

“Malaysia’s cultural diversity is a major draw. Many parents in China strongly support their children in pursuing Malay studies.

“In addition, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has played a significant role in boosting interest in the Malay language, as many related projects are being carried out between Malaysia and China, with numerous major Chinese companies establishing operations here.

“This creates job opportunities for students and offers a practical pathway for building careers in Malaysia while broadening their global outlook,” she said.

Statistics from Malaysia’s Home Ministry show that as of August 15, 2025, there were 30,679 Chinese nationals registered as professional expatriates in Malaysia.

Under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, 26,162 mainland Chinese nationals were residing in Malaysia as of December 2024, holding long-term visas for retirement, education and investment purposes.

Some of the participants of the 2026 China–Malaysia Youth Language and Cultural Interaction Camp. — Bernama pic

Language as a bridge across cultures

Meanwhile, DBP Chairman and National Laureate Datuk Dr Anwar Ridhwan said language is not merely a tool of communication but also a vehicle of thought, a carrier of values, and a reflection of a nation’s civilisation.

“In international relations, language serves as a bridge connecting differences in culture, history and worldviews.

“When Chinese citizens learn Malay, they are not just learning a language or exploring a culture, they are gaining an advantage: understanding the soul of the Malaysian people, fostering cultural appreciation, expanding educational and career opportunities, and strengthening regional cooperation.

“As the Malay proverb goes, ‘tak kenal maka tak cinta,’ one cannot love what one does not know,” he explained.

He added that programmes such as the language and cultural interaction camp help nurture strong Malaysia-China ties through youth-driven cooperation and mutual understanding.

Boosting tourism through language

Beyond cultural exchange, proficiency in Malay among Chinese nationals could also help promote Visit Malaysia 2026 and encourage more tourists from China.

President of the Malaysia International Tourism Development Association, Captain Mahadzir Mansor, said Mandarin-speaking Malaysians and Malay-speaking Chinese nationals alike play a role in promoting Malaysia’s tourism offerings, from traditional food to scenic destinations.

To attract more visitors, the association plans to introduce a ‘digital cultural card’ from mid-year, allowing Chinese tourists to collect points redeemable for discounts on travel packages.

“We are targeting around 500,000 tourists from China through this initiative.

“If achieved, it will have a significant impact on the country’s tourism sector and economy,” he said when met on the sidelines of the launch of the Visit Malaysia 2026 Digital Cultural Card Project here. — Bernama

DENPASAR, May 5 — Buckets of blooms adorn Yuvita Anggi Prinanda’s sidewalk flower stall in Bali, but their perfume can’t mask the stench of accumulating trash bespoiling parts of the resort island famed for its natural beauty.

Bali’s largest landfill was declared off-limits for organic waste from the beginning of April, as the government moves to enforce a longstanding ban on open tips.

But with no immediate alternatives provided, trash is piling up in the streets and attracting rats, or being set alight by frustrated residents, causing acrid smoke that has prompted health concerns.

“As a business owner, this is a real nuisance,” Yuvita told AFP.

She has dipped into her meagre profits to pay a private company to remove the trash from near her stall.

“Some customers, perhaps bothered by the smell, ended up not making a purchase,” the 34-year-old told AFP.

Her shop alone generates about four large black bags full of waste every day, mostly leaves and flower cuttings — adding to the island’s estimated 3,400 tons of daily garbage output.

On paper, Indonesia has banned open landfills since 2013, but it is only now attempting to fully implement the measure.

‘Not a good look’

At Kuta beach, a popular tourist spot regularly inundated with plastic debris that washes ashore, rubbish bags are piled up waist-high in a parking lot.

“You have many rats here at nighttime. The smell is not very good... it’s not a good look,” said Australian visitor Justin Butcher.

Around seven million tourists visited Bali last year, vastly outstripping the island’s native population of around 4.4 million, and contributing to Bali’s waste output.

People caught dumping or burning trash risk up to three months’ jail time and a 50-million rupiah (nearly RM11,400) fine, according to I Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi, the head of Bali’s public order agency, but many feel they have no other choice.

Rubbish piles up on a street in Denpasar on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali on April 24, 2026. — AFP pic

On April 16, hundreds of sanitation workers drove waste-filled trucks to the governor’s office in protest.

“If we don’t collect our client’s trash, we are in the wrong, if we collect it, where do we dispose it?” said protester I Wayan Tedi Brahmanca.

In response, the local government said it would allow limited disposal of waste at Suwung as a temporary measure until the end of July.

But from August, the government has vowed to end all open landfills nationwide, though it is unclear what alternatives will be in place by then.

‘People need guidance’

Nur Azizah, a waste management expert at Gadjah Mada University, told AFP the Suwung landfill received about 1,000 tons of waste per day and has been overcapacity for years.

Up to 70 per cent is organic waste that “is dangerous because over time it generates methane, which could explode and cause landslides”.

This has happened several times, including a March collapse at Indonesia’s largest landfill outside Jakarta that buried trucks and food stalls, killing seven people.

Nur said the only long-term solution was a mass campaign to educate people on managing organic waste, mainly through composting.

Yuvita agreed.

“People need guidance. It’s like when someone cannot swim, they shouldn’t be told to jump right in,” she said.

The head of Denpasar’s environment and forestry agency Ida Bagus Wirabawa told AFP the government has been running awareness campaigns since last year, and handing out composting containers.

Indonesia’s 284 million people produce more than 40 million tons of rubbish per year, nearly 40 per cent of its food waste and nearly a fifth plastic, according to the environment ministry.

Only about a third gets “managed”, meaning recycled or processed, according to Nur.

The rest ends up in nature.

Fewer than a third of the country’s 485 landfills have shuttered since the ban on open dumping came into force on paper about 13 years ago.

“We have not been managing waste properly, resulting in an emergency in all cities and regencies,” then-environment minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq told reporters recently. He has since been replaced.

The government aims to break ground on several waste-to-energy projects in June, including one in Bali that could process about 1,200 tons of waste daily, but these could take years to come online. — AFP