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By Mihar Dias November 2024
The recent addition of 12 new words to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka’s online dictionary is a fascinating move in the ongoing evolution of Bahasa Melayu.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek put it well when she emphasized that our national language is “living.” But these days, when new words pop up—especially those infused with a “maha” prefix—there’s always bound to be some controversy. And right on cue, the word “maha” has stirred the linguistic pot, drawing criticism and even charges of blasphemy.
For context, “maha” has long been used in Malay with multiple layers of meaning, such as in words like mahasiswa (university student), mahaguru (master teacher), and maha kaya (ultra-rich). But it’s not just the dictionary definition; it’s the political connotations that have sometimes made this prefix divisive. For some, “maha” doesn’t just mean “great” or “ultra”—it has become an ironic symbol of a political era.
Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who once held absolute sway over Malaysia’s political landscape, was often referred to by critics as Maha Fir’aun (the great Pharaoh), likening his leadership style to a dictatorship. This nickname wasn’t just a jab at his authoritarian policies but also a play on the “maha” prefix, underscoring his perceived larger-than-life role in Malaysia’s political scene.
So when Anwar Ibrahim recently used maha kaya to describe the ultra-rich in Malaysia, some in the public saw shades of the “great and powerful” reappearing, perhaps in jest or perhaps in subtle critique. For those on the defensive, it’s easy to see why “maha” evokes mixed emotions, symbolising power, privilege, or excess.
It’s interesting how the controversy around “maha” resurfaced after Anwar’s speech, with PAS’s Jasin MP accusing him of not upholding the language’s sanctity.
But that criticism seems to miss the bigger picture. Language is inherently flexible, and the role of a living language is to reflect and express the culture it represents.
We can’t really separate the prefix “maha” from its religious significance as a title of respect, yet in day-to-day life, it’s also used for perfectly ordinary purposes. Are we saying that all expressions of “maha” must be sacred? Or can we accept that language can flex to carry both secular and spiritual weight?
The truth is, Malaysia’s language policy has never been one-dimensional. Borrowing from other languages, including neighbouring Indonesia, has enriched Bahasa Melayu’s vocabulary over time.
Take “mahsul” (yield) or “kesenjangan” (inequality)—these new additions represent concepts that reflect modern realities, just as older loan words from Sanskrit or Arabic once did.
This evolution isn’t a sign of weakness but one of strength. And if a few words come loaded with history, whether “maha” or “fir’aun,” that’s a part of the language’s layered and nuanced past.
For those who worry that accepting such words could dilute our cultural heritage, it’s worth remembering that language has always been political. There’s a historical parallel between what words get adopted and which leaders promote them. Just as Mahathir's era left behind phrases that were meant to intimidate or inspire loyalty, Anwar's administration has the right to speak a language that reflects today’s Malaysia, a country grappling with issues of inequality, multiculturalism, and social justice.
So, what does the expansion of Bahasa Melayu vocabulary really mean? It means acknowledging our heritage while giving space for modernity and relevance. It means holding onto words that might carry some baggage, like “maha,” and using them to fuel fresh conversations. Whether we like it or not, language isn’t static—it’s a mirror to society’s changing values and concerns. And in today’s Malaysia, maybe we need a few new words and a few “mahas” to describe the power dynamics and aspirations we’re still figuring out.
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