13 September 2026 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Auditorium, Balai Seni Negara, Kuala Lumpur
Language is more than a means of communication. It is an essential part of identity, culture, dignity and human rights.
On 13 September 2026, a public forum titled “Strengthening Language Rights Through Legal Recognition” will be held at Dewan Auditorium, Balai Seni KL, focusing on Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) and the importance of strengthening its recognition through legislation.
BIM is the language of the Deaf community in Malaysia. For many Deaf people, BIM is not simply a tool for communication or an alternative way of expressing Bahasa Melayu. It is a language in its own right and an important part of the identity, culture and everyday lives of the Deaf community.
Why Does Legal Recognition Matter?
Legal recognition of BIM can play an important role in strengthening the language rights of Deaf people in Malaysia. It can contribute towards greater recognition and protection of BIM in areas such as education, public services, access to information, communication and participation in society.
The forum provides an opportunity for members of the Deaf and hearing communities to learn more about BIM as a language, understand the language rights of the Deaf community, and explore the importance of legal recognition.
It is also an opportunity to encourage wider public understanding that language rights are human rights.
The Forum
The forum will bring together perspectives from both the Deaf and hearing communities.
Panelists:
- Ho Koon Wei (Deaf)
- Amanda Hor (Hearing)
Moderator:
- Dr. Samuel Chew
The discussion will explore the current understanding of BIM, the language rights of the Deaf community, and possible approaches towards strengthening the recognition of BIM through legislation.
Open to Everyone
The forum is open to both Deaf and hearing participants.
We encourage Deaf people, families, friends, teachers, students, organisations, professionals and members of the public to attend and take part in this important conversation.
Your presence can help create greater awareness and understanding of BIM and the language rights of the Deaf community.
Together, we can:
- Understand BIM as a language
- Understand the language rights of the Deaf community
- Increase public awareness of BIM
- Support efforts to strengthen the legal recognition of BIM
Join Us
Date: Sunday, 13 September 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Auditorium, Balai Seni Negara, Kuala Lumpur
Registration: Scan the QR code on the event poster or register through the registration link: https://forms.gle/XzHrugouLbxHfPou8
Don’t come alone. Bring your family, friends, colleagues, teachers, students and members of your organisation and join us.
Let us come together to listen, learn and support the advancement of language rights for the Deaf community.
Our language. Our rights. Our future.
We look forward to seeing you at the forum.
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