REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BATAM -- Malay Language needs special standardization before it can be used as a global unifying language, Head of the Indonesian Language Development Board Mahsun stated here, Monday.

Standardization should be done, which encompasses the naming of the language and other aspects such as spelling, pronunciation, and others, as Malay, which is spoken in parts of Southeast Asia, is different from one region to another, he emphasized.

According to Mahsun, Malay in Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Thailand, the southern Philippines, Cambodia, and other countries is not exactly similar.

He urged Malay experts to discuss standardization, so that the language is easy to study and to understand.

"If we want to use Malay as a unifying language, it is necessary to standardize it," Mahsun affirmed.

According to Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris bin Haji Haron, it is now time for Malay to become a scientific language.

Malay deserves recognition, as the language, which is evolving in the Malayan peninsula, has almost been displaced by English, even in the original regions.

"Although Malay is the official language of Malaysia, but it is the second language after English," Haron pointed out.

Malay observers from within and outside the country also agreed to give priority to Malay and make it the main language in their own country.

Governor of Riau Islands Muhammad Sani remarked that it is time for Malay to become a scientific language, as Malay speakers worldwide are relatively large.

"We must be grateful that the Malay language still exists and thrives. Many countries use Malay language, and it holds significance for the Riau Islands," he added.

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