50th Anniversary of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka

(22 June 2006)

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On 22nd June 2006, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) celebrates its 50th anniversary. Since its inception half a century ago, DBP has always been regarded as the pillar of success in the development of the Malay language. During that period, from Bukit Timbalan, Johor Bahru, to Jalan Young, Kuala Lumpur, and today at Jalan Dewan Bahasa, DBP has successfully overcame various challenges and obstacles in carrying its responsibility in overseeing the development of the Malay language as the national and official language of the nation - the language that gives a sense of pride and identity to the colorful multiethnic and multicultural society of Malaysia.

DBP was established on 22nd June 1956 in Johor Bahru as a department under the Ministry of Education. Its establishment was aimed at developing the Malay language as the national and official language as the nation was moving towards independence. The following year it was relocated to Jalan Young before moving to Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama five years later. Today, DBP operates from a 33 storey building at Jalan Dewan Bahasa (formerly Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama). Besides its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, DBP now has branches and regional offices in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Kota Bharu, Bukit Mertajam and Johor Bahru to help in the plans to develop the Malay language and literature in the various regions.

The mural on the facade of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka's Balai Budaya Tun Syed Nasir symbolizes the unity of the Malaysian people who espouse the sentiment "Language is the Soul of the Nation" amidst the development of culture, education, economy, science and technology, expressed through one language, which is also the country's sole official language. The mural was composed by Ismail Mustam, a artist who was once a staff of the organization, in 1961.

The logo of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) comprises four elements - the palmyra palm found set in the center symbolizes the writing of the old while the bracken or large fern leaf represents the instrument used to write on it the book and nib at the base of the Palmyra leaf symbolizes the publishing and writing activities of more recent times. These four elements symbolize the responsibilities of DBP as a body that develops the Malay language, literature and knowledge through writing and publishing. The logo was drawn in 1957 by Hoessien Enas.

The design of the RM1.00 stamp reflects the recent progress of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in the era information and communication technology in the publishing industry.

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