Malaysian MPs Who Can't Speak Proper Malay Should Be Ashamed

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim has ticked off members of Parliament (MPs) who have yet to master Bahasa Malaysia despite the fact that they are supposed to represent the voice of the people in Parliament. He said that this should not have happened given that the language had unified Malaysia's various races for the past 50 years since independence.

Speaking to reporters after opening an inter-university debate competition focusing on the country's independence here today, he also criticised MPs who used harsh words in Parliament. "It's a pity that they don't have a good command of the language because they could serve as role models to others in the good usage of Bahasa Malaysia," he said.

Dr Rais said the ministry was actively promoting Bahasa Malaysia through various programmes like debate competitions and discussion sessions. More than 200 students are taking part in the competition which began on Friday.

***** What could be the reason for some of these MPs not having a reasonably good command of Bahasa Malaysia? Are they 'linguistically challenged', plain dumb or simply could not be bothered? I've noticed, especially among the Chinese and more so among the younger generation a dismal interest in and appallingly poor command of Bahasa. It's as if they could not be the least bit bothered to learn or speak the language and prefer to lead their lives in cocooned Chinese settings while firmly avoiding their fellow citizens of other races as much as possible.

I have no idea on how to encourage the greater use of our national language. The government has done its part in making Malay relevant to the average Joe. Ultimately the choice is theirs. If they want to remain disadvantaged by not knowing Bahasa it's their problem.

As for MPs, political parties should ensure that their candidates must have at least a working knowledge of our national language.
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