Pidato Celik Madani Strengthens Malay Language Proficiency, Nurtures Students’ Leadership Talent

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22: Pidato Celik Madani, organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), serves as a platform to strengthen Malay language proficiency while nurturing communication and leadership talent among students.

The programme, held in collaboration with Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (YADIM), also provides young people with opportunities to sharpen their ability to communicate ideas based on facts, knowledge and sound arguments.

DBP Board of Governors Chairman Dato’ Dr Anwar Ridhwan said proficiency in the Malay language is important as it is not only the national language but also a vehicle for acquiring knowledge and a medium for fostering unity among the people.

“The Malay language is an important vehicle for acquiring knowledge, in addition to being a language of unity that must be mastered by all Malaysians regardless of race.

“Through public speaking, the younger generation is trained to deliver messages based on facts, knowledge and sound arguments,” he told the media after the programme’s closing ceremony at Wisma DBP in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He said public speaking skills could also help build students’ character and confidence, while developing their potential to become visionary leaders in the future.

He added that the implementation of the National Language Decade and National Reading Decade were among efforts to increase public awareness of the role of the Malay language as a language of knowledge.

“It is hoped that Pidato Celik Madani will continue as an ongoing event that benefits students’ development, particularly in terms of language proficiency and communication skills,” he said.

Meanwhile, YADIM Senior Director of the Training and Cadre Development Sector Mahadi Awang said the second edition of the programme provided opportunities for students, particularly those from regular public schools, to discover their hidden talents in public speaking.

“This programme provides students with the space and opportunity to showcase their talents, and reaching the state level is already an achievement.

“This year’s theme, ‘Sebarkan Salam Kita Kawan’ (Spread Greetings, We Are Friends), conveys a message of efforts to build a knowledgeable and harmonious society,” he said.

Mahadi said the Pidato Celik Madani champions from all 14 states will next compete at the national level in October.

Media Selangor