malaysiakini logo
story-image
mk-logo
News
PAS: Guan Eng, Thomas sidelining use of Bahasa
Published:  Jul 5, 2018 5:21 PM
Updated: 9:24 AM
ADS

PAS' Kuala Nerus MP Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali today claimed that Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng and attorney-general Tommy Thomas were examples of those who sidelined the national language.

He made reference to Lim issuing a trilingual statement which included Chinese and Thomas' use of English in court when former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak was charged yesterday.

"These incidences are a clear manifestation of Bahasa Melayu being sidelined by Pakatan Harapan which is leading the government," he said, adding that the people should tick off the government for this.

Khairuddin added that Harapan should not send the wrong signal to the people with regards to the national language.

"The Harapan government must show its commitment towards defending the position of Bahasa Melayu as the national language," he said.

With regard to Thomas, Khairuddin said cited Section 8 of the National Language Act 1963/1967.

"As attorney-general, he should be aware of Section 8 of the National Language Act 1963/1967 that requires all Federal Court, Court of Appeal, High Court and any lower court's proceedings to be conducted in the national language," he said.

The provision also allows for the proceedings to be conducted in both the national language and English if requested by any party.

Khairuddin also cited Section 11(2) of the Legal Profession Act 1976 which required anyone being admitted as an advocate or solicitor from 1984 onwards to pass the Bahasa Malaysia Qualifying Exam unless receiving an exemption.

View Comments