The current term used is Bahasa Melayu, which means 'Malay language'.

Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin said on Sunday: 'The Malay language belongs to Malaysians of all races and not just the Malays. The term Bahasa Malaysia would instil a sense of belonging (among all Malaysians).'

All ministries and public institutions have been told to use the term Bahasa Malaysia in letters, notices and documents with immediate effect. Local media have also been directed likewise.

The term Bahasa Malaysia was introduced - when the country gained independence in 1957 - by the first premier, Tunku Abdul Rahman, to build a Malaysian identity.

Datuk Zainuddin said: 'It was generally accepted, and no one asked for a change until (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim became the education minister (in 1986).

'He dropped the term Bahasa Malaysia for Bahasa Melayu... But now, we feel we should go back to the original term.'

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Rais Yatim said the move 'is to show that the language does not belong to just one race'.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said yesterday that the move should not be turned into a 'major polemic' issue, and that the Cabinet's decision was an attempt to promote unity and integration.

THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK, ASSOCIATED PRESS, BERNAMA