Ensuring Bahasa Malaysia evolves with the times. That is the mission of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. Here at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, the Institute of Language and Literature, we delve into Malaysia’s linguistic heart.
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka or DBP is the government body. It is responsible for guiding the use of Bahasa Malaysia. This includes Malay-language literature in Malaysia.
Let’s rewind to June 22 1956. DBP started as Balai Pustaka in Johor Bahru. It was a small department within the Ministry of Education. Its initial goal was to develop Malay as the national and official language. This was especially important for the soon-to-be independent nation.
The Third Malay Literary and Language Congress was a turning point. It took place in Singapore and Johor Bahru in September 1956. The congress suggested renaming Balai Pustaka to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. It was also upgraded to an agency with its own board.
In 1957, DBP moved to Kuala Lumpur. This move aimed to streamline its tasks. It aligned with the declaration of Malay as the sole official language.
1959 marked another milestone. DBP became a statutory body through the Ordinan Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. This granted DBP autonomy. It could form its own policies. It could also develop language and literature programs. And it could run publishing and book businesses.
On January 31 1962, DBP moved to its own building. It was located on Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama. Now, it is known as Jalan Dewan Bahasa. Lee Yoon Thim was the architect. Ismail Mustam created the mural.
DBP expanded to East Malaysia in 1977. Offices opened in Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Later, offices were established in Bukit Mertajam, Kota Bharu and Johor Bahru. DBP celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2006.
DBP publishes the Kamus Dewan. It has long been the prestigious dictionary of the Malaysian national language. It adapts the Malay language to modern challenges. This includes technology and science.
The original DBP building was built from 1960 to 1962. Lee Yoon Thim designed it in a modern style. The mosaic mural by Ismail bin Mustam was restored in 2017. A modern tower now stands next to the original building. The tower’s roof resembles an open book.
As you leave Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, consider its lasting impact. It shapes and preserves Bahasa Malaysia. It ensures the language remains vibrant for generations.