A lecture on language isn’t what Malaysia needs, PM told
Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim says prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob should focus on larger issues.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob should speak on issues that affect the nation rather than lecture the people on the use of Bahasa Melayu in the workplace, says a former minister.
“Our national language is important, but this is an old issue and these are modern times where the use of English is common as the international language,” said Zaid Ibrahim.
“He should not be lecturing or reprimanding anyone. He should be using every opportunity he has to address the public to talk about the big issues such as labour, the cost of living, the economy and the health crisis,” he told FMT.
Zaid, a former law minister, was commenting on reports that Ismail had reprimanded government agencies, government-linked companies and the private sector for prioritising the use of English over Bahasa Melayu at their events, meetings, and conferences, and on their products.
Ismail told these agencies and firms to use Bahasa Melayu widely in programmes organised by them, Bernama reported.
Zaid said Malaysians do use Bahasa Melayu but also other languages when they have to, and there was no need for Ismail to be “sentimental” over the language.
“Enough of all this. People are suffering. There is no need to redirect everyone’s attention. Tell us your plans or your stand on important issues. That is what the people and the market want to hear,” he said.
PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob should speak on issues that affect the nation rather than lecture the people on the use of Bahasa Melayu in the workplace, says a former minister.
“Our national language is important, but this is an old issue and these are modern times where the use of English is common as the international language,” said Zaid Ibrahim.
“He should not be lecturing or reprimanding anyone. He should be using every opportunity he has to address the public to talk about the big issues such as labour, the cost of living, the economy and the health crisis,” he told FMT.
Zaid, a former law minister, was commenting on reports that Ismail had reprimanded government agencies, government-linked companies and the private sector for prioritising the use of English over Bahasa Melayu at their events, meetings, and conferences, and on their products.
Ismail told these agencies and firms to use Bahasa Melayu widely in programmes organised by them, Bernama reported.
Zaid said Malaysians do use Bahasa Melayu but also other languages when they have to, and there was no need for Ismail to be “sentimental” over the language.
“Enough of all this. People are suffering. There is no need to redirect everyone’s attention. Tell us your plans or your stand on important issues. That is what the people and the market want to hear,” he said.
Well said, Zaid.
ReplyDeleteBut you are talking about a pure racist. It would be very difficult for your words to penetrate his thick skull.
Wakakakakaka…
ReplyDeleteAsking too much for a simple mind to ponder larger issues.
Otherwise, how could m'sia reaches its current stage of bolih-ism.
Why on earth people like Zaid can’t be our PM ?
ReplyDeletetoo liberal for the conservative Heartland
DeleteToo liberal??!!
DeleteMost probably another soiled tansri in making if given the opportunity.
U might argue that he did resign from a ministry post when he couldn't get his way through. But that's was tyen - as a green horn in melayu politics. This time around, he would most likely genuflecting to the ketuanan will to keep his bellicosed opportunity.
The meme-ed gene of rent-seeking is too deeply entrenched, especially for these privileged elite of the mess-upped race!
Zaid resigned because as Law Minister he disagreed with the ISA-ing of MP Teresa Kok and Sin Chew Journalist Tan Hoon Cheng [BTW, RPK was also ISA-ed at that time, wakakaka]
DeleteWakakakaka…
DeleteAny difference with my takes?