PARLIAMENT | Abdul Hadi Awang (PN-Marang) has expressed disappointment that the Malay language is often sidelined in favour of English, especially when only a few foreigners are present.
The PAS president said that English is used at functions even when there are just “tiga ekor orang putih (three white people)”.
“What is happening today is chaotic, in the shops in the city, the capital, all kinds of languages are spoken, (the use of) the Malay language is sometimes only ‘halus’ (minimal), while English is prominent (even though the English people are no longer around).
“Many among us are able to speak Malay, but still use English in official letters and discussions in court," Hadi said while debating the royal address.
He said that the multi-ethnic society in the country accepts the Malay language, but at the same time, other languages are allowed to be used and taught.
‘Only the colonised speak English’
Hadi gave the example of some countries that uphold their national language, and are willing to use their mother tongue when speaking at the UN general assembly.
He claimed that leaders who use foreign languages are those who are still colonised and lack a sense of national identity.
"We see other countries going to the UN, and we see their leaders speaking in their mother tongue.
"They don’t speak in English, except for those who are colonised, the countries that have an identity, that have the spirit of the nation, they speak in their mother tongue," he added. - Mkini
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