Mahathir’s (PH-Langkawi) response was seemingly directed at PAS, although he did not explicitly mention the party.
“Sometimes we use the Arabic language so that people who listen don’t understand. We don’t even know if the interpretation is accurate.
“In whatever language that is used, it is important that the other side understands what is being said.
“If they do not really understand, then sometimes we will need to use Arabic,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today in response to a supplementary question by Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PAS-Kubang Kerian).
Ibrahim appeared dissatisfied with the reply, stating that the prime minister was not answering the question properly.
“That does not answer the question. Please answer the question,” he added.
Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun had reportedly urged his officers to improve their standard of English, saying his own grasp of the language was now being evaluated by the prime minister.
He had said officers should use English in their daily meetings but admitted that it could take time for this to happen.