Many readers have been writing in about the importance of Bahasa Melayu, as the National Language of 1 Malaysia. and in spite of the frequent media reports, it is regrettable and distressing to see that of all political parties, the MCA, which is the component party of the Barisan Nasional failed to use Bahasa Melayu which is the National language on the backdrop of their Extraordinary General meeting held in Kuala Lumpur on the 10th of October 2009
It was entirely written in Chinese characters on top followed by bold lettering in English. This was not only a blatant disregard for the use of bahasa Melayu, on all official signage, posters,buntings, bill boards, and backdrops, but also did not comply with the requirements and directives of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka. Yes ,The government is encouraging Malaysian to learn and use English.,but not at the expense of sidelining Bahasa Melayu wich is the official National Language.
The backdrop was seen on all local T.V stations many times for a couple of days, and that for a moment I thought that the MCA's EGM this time around was held in either China, Taiwan or Hong Kong
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka and other relevant authorities, did not protest or took any action, because they have no power to fine or take any other actions , on any organization that did not use Bahasa Melayu in their official administration.
It was reported in Berita Harian Oct.19) that 2 Acts, the National Language Act l963, and the Education Act l996 will be amended in order to give more clout to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka to act and fine the public sectors and their agencies for not using Bahasa Melayu in their official administration. The amendment is timely, in view of the fact that the DBP after 52 years of Merdeka is still toothless. I think that it will be more effective if the power is also given to, City Halls, municipalities,, Town and Local Councils. to act on the matter.
NOR SHAHID MOHD NOR
PETALING JAYA
20.10.09
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