KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 — The Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Act 1959 needs to be strengthened to ensure that DBP has a clear direction and functions, according to a member of the Dewan Negara.
Senator Prof Datuk Seri Awang Sariyan said currently, the act only governs the transition of DBP from a government department to a statutory body and several provisions needed to be amended in line with the changing times.
“It is important for us to also make DBP as the authoritative point of reference in matters on language culture and publication, just like SIRIM...DBP has done it but the legitimacy aspect is needed,” he said during the debate session on the Supply Bill 2023 in the Dewan Negara today.
He also suggested that the government consider reintroducing the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) to uphold and instill the spirit of unity and patriotism, especially among the youth in the country.
Meanwhile, Senator Manolan Mohamad proposed that the Rahmah Sale initiative be extended to rural areas and Orang Asli settlements because the price of dry goods in those areas is essentially higher than in the city.
Also taking part in today’s debate session was Senator Hussin Ismail who suggested that the government allocate larger funds for research and development (R&D) in various fields to ensure the nation’s progress.
“Big companies allocate at least 30 per cent of their budget for R&D, (therefore) I think it’s time for the country to set a certain reasonable amount for R&D,” he said.
Senator Datuk Mohd Hisamudin Yahaya, on the other hand, proposed allocation to Fama be increased to enable it ‘Direct Sales From the Farm’ programme to be held more often around Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
The Dewan Negara sitting continues on Monday. — Bernama
