National Library Digitizes Over 580,000 Pages of Malay Manuscripts

KUALA LUMPUR – More than 580,000 pages from 4,840 Malay manuscript titles had been digitized by the National Library of Malaysia (PNM) as of September this year, in an effort to preserve the nation's literary heritage.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said PNM’s Malay manuscript collection currently totals 5,405 copies, with written heritage preservation efforts also encompassing the digitization of archival materials, documentation, and the publication of historical works.

"These treasures are highlighted through exhibitions featuring the transliteration of old Jawi script into Rumi and digital storytelling.

"In line with technological advancements, the ministry welcomes proposals to explore strategic collaboration between PNM and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) to develop immersive Jawi learning content based on official Jawi spelling guidelines," he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a proposal by Datuk Mumtaz Md Nawi (PN-Tumpat) to strengthen manuscript digitization and enhance public understanding of nation-building, while winding up the policy-stage debate on the Supply Bill 2027 (Budget 2027) for his ministry.

Earlier, Aaron noted that the ministry, through PNM, has also implemented the Jawi Script Enculturation program since 2022, recording 565,000 participants as of September 2026, in addition to receiving recognition from the Malaysia Book of Records at the Calligraphy Art and Unity Motif Festival for its large turnout.

The program, which began in Sabah in 2025, promotes the art of calligraphy as a medium for interracial interaction and unity.

Meanwhile, RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) proposed that books on the lives and contributions of statesmen, particularly the late Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, be published and distributed to schools to educate the younger generation on unity in a multiracial and multireligious society.

In response, Aaron said the ministry has published various pamphlets and books, while publications focusing specifically on national statesmen will be rolled out in the future.

Before the winding-up session concluded, Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Dr Ramli Mohd Nor suggested that amendments to Article 152 of the Federal Constitution could be considered to strengthen the position of the Malay language as the nation's language of unity.

He added that a review could also be conducted on Article 161 regarding special protections for Sabah and Sarawak concerning the use of the English language, in order to bolster the use of Malay in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.

"If we want total unity in terms of the Malay language, I believe that with the passage of the Parliamentary Services Act 2025, which took effect on Oct. 1, amendments to Article 152, including Article 161 which provides special protection to Sabah and Sarawak in the use of English, could perhaps be considered," he said.