In making the call, Sarawak deputy chief minister James Masing said speaking in English was not an indicator of a person’s intelligence.

Recently, two videos of ministers delivering their addresses in English at a United Nations forum have made the rounds on social media, earning them brickbats for their poor command of the language.

Masing, who is also Parti Rakyat Sarawak chief, recalled meeting an Italian minister who was English-educated but chose to use an interpreter during a visit.

He said the Italian minister’s use of an interpreter was a smart move, as the minister was able to use the time between translations to answer questions posed by the Malaysian delegates.

Masing said most foreign ministers spoke in their mother tongues when addressing an international crowd, and it was nothing to be embarrassed about.

He said the presidents of France, Russia and China spoke in their mother tongues whenever they addressed an international audience.

“I am sure they can speak and read English.

“Fluency in English is not a benchmark of intelligence. The sooner Malaysian politicians understand this, the better it is for them.

“The atrocious delivery of their speeches in English made me cringe,” he was quoted as saying by Dayak Daily.