AG, Cabinet members did not

disrespect position of BM: Teo |

New Straits Times

By Hidir ReduanAugust 13, 2018 @ 12:30pm

KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry has denied

allegation that the Attorney-General (AG) and Cabinet
members had gone against Article 152 of the Federal
Constitution that require Bahasa Melayu (BM) be used in
official functions.

Its Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching said that this was because
Section 3 of the National Language Act 1963/67 allows official
announcements and documents be translated from BM into
other languages, like English.

“None in Pakatan Harapan dispute this (Article 152).

Allegation that PH or the Attorney-General is going against
this matter (under Article 152) is not true,” she said.

She added that the translation of such announcements or

documents are allowed to federal and state governments if
needed for the interest of the people.

Teo was speaking during Oral Answers to Questions session in

the Dewan Rakyat this morning.

Teo was answering an additional question from Datin

Mastura Mohd Yazid (BN-Kuala Kangsar) over alleged
contravening of the spirit of Article 152 by AG or Cabinet
members.

The additional question was raised in the context of Mastura’s

main question on how the ministry would ensure that the role
of BM as the national language per Article 152 is protected for
the country’s well being.

1
Back on July 4 after Datuk Seri Najib Razak was charged at
the Sessions Court here, AG Tommy Thomas was forced to
cancel a press conference outside the court.

The cancellation was made when the former prime minister’s

supporters turned rowdy and demanded Thomas to use BM in
the press conference.

In regards to Mastura’s additional question regarding what

steps the ministry is taking to ensure the people continue to
use BM, Teo said that this is seen in the present government
continuing the National Education Blueprint.

“The National Education Blueprint, which was tabled by the

previous Barisan Nasional government, is continued by us as
we agree with its aims,” she said.

Continue Reading