The Malaysian Insight

THERE have been complaints against parliamentarians for their poor command of Bahasa Malaysia and the lack of decorum in debates, said Anwar Ibrahim.

The former deputy prime minister said the public has also complained to him on the use of vulgarities by the lawmakers.

“The level of (Bahasa Malaysia) language should be improved. Many have admonished the parliamentarians for their lack of language command and for harsh language used that is impolite,”Anwar told reporters in a press conference at his office in Petaling Jaya.

He added it was advisable for the MPs to take up classes to improve their Bahasa Malaysia mastery and learn how to debate properly in the Dewan Rakyat.  

“For those who are weak in Bahasa, it is not wrong for the parliament (to organise) what we did before in Selangor when we took over in 2008.

“We organised a Bahasa Malaysia course through the state assembly. If not it will be shameful for our children, to see the mastery of Bahasa is poorer than SPM students,” Anwar said referring to the public examination Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia.

However, the incoming PKR president said this was only a suggestion that Putrajaya needs to give serious thought.

“This is the suggestion that has been proposed and needs to be given serious consideration. Not only a course in language but also rules as well,” Anwar added.

There have been criticisms against lawmakers for the lack of decorum when debating in Parliament.

Several lawmakers across the divide have used foul words like Barisan Nasional’s Bung Mokhtar and DAP’s RSN Rayer.

The current parliament sees a total of 90 new MPs following the 14th general election, with many coming from Pakatan Harapan. – August 17, 2018.