KOTA MARUDU: A specific and proper department must be set up to protect and preserve the native languages before they go extinct, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili (pic).
He said it is becoming scarce to find someone who can converse well in mother tongue, especially among the younger generation.
“As such, it is vital to have a proper department that will protect and preserve all native languages in Sabah,” he said.
Funds can be appropriately channelled through the department to be disbursed to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for the preservation of native languages, he said while speaking at the launch of the Matunggong Pesta Kaamatan here, Thursday.
Ongkili also supports the call by Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) President Huguan Siou (paramount leader of the Kadazandusun community) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan for an ethnic language month to promote and preserve the native languages of Sabah.
Ongkili, who is also the KDCA Deputy President and KDCA Kota Marudu Chairman, said that Kadazan, Dusun, Murut and Rungus (KDMR) related contests will be organised to promote the languages among the young.
“The KDCA Kota Marudu will be organising speech, storytelling, and debate, to mention some, all in the KDMR languages. We hope this will not just promote, but spark interest among the young to learn the language,” he said.
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