KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The National Library of Malaysia (PNM) has digitised more than 580,000 pages from 4,840 titles of Malay manuscripts as at September this year to preserve the country's written heritage.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said PNM's collection now comprised 5,405 Malay manuscripts, with preservation efforts also covering the digitisation of archival materials, documentation and the publication of historical works.
He said the collection was being promoted through exhibitions featuring the transliteration of old Jawi script into Roman script, as well as digital storytelling.
The ministry also welcomed a proposal for strategic cooperation between PNM and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) to develop immersive Jawi learning content based on standard Jawi spelling guidelines, he added.
Aaron was responding to a proposal by Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) to strengthen manuscript digitisation and improve public understanding of the country's formation during the winding-up of the ministry's debate on the Supply Bill 2027 at the policy stage in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Earlier, Aaron said the ministry, through PNM, had conducted the Jawi Script Culturalisation Programme since 2022, recording 565,000 participants as at September 2026.
The programme also received recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records at the Festival of Calligraphy and Unity Motif Art for its high level of participation. Launched in Sabah in 2025, the initiative promotes calligraphy as a means of interaction and unity among different communities.
Meanwhile, RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) proposed publishing books on the lives and contributions of national leaders, particularly the late Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, for distribution to schools to educate younger generations about unity in a multiracial and multi-religious society.
In response, Aaron said the ministry had published various booklets and books, adding that publications focusing specifically on national leaders would be undertaken in the future.
Towards the end of the winding-up session, Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Dr Ramli Mohd Nor suggested that the government consider amending Articles 152 and 161 of the Federal Constitution to strengthen the use of Malay as the national language, including in Parliament and state legislative assemblies, while reviewing provisions on the use of English in Sabah and Sarawak.
-- BERNAMA