He said, however, if the host country’s representatives used English, the Malaysian officials could choose to respond in either Bahasa Malaysia or English. But if the host country representatives spoke in their national language, then the response should be in Bahasa Malaysia.

“In this day and age, there are modern gadgets that allow languages to be translated in real time without any delay.

“So the issue of delay in interpretation should not arise.

“There is no reason for us to feel awkward speaking in Bahasa Malaysia in other countries when others are proud of using their national languages.

“It is our national language and we should be proud of using it,” he told reporters in Bangkok.

Ismail said during his visit, he spoke in Bahasa Malaysia at all functions except for one where all the foreign dignitaries present used English to deliver their speeches.

Citing the example of environment and water minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man using Bahasa Malaysia when delivering his keynote address at the COP26 event in Glasgow last year, Ismail said the minister’s attitude should be emulated by all.

He said Bahasa Malaysia was the most widely spoken language in the Asean region, adding that he will consider proposing to the grouping that it be made its official language.

On a separate issue, Ismail said 13 Malaysians, including diplomatic staff and students, left Ukraine last week following the conflict in the country.

He said Malaysia had urged the United Nations Security Council to play its role in ensuring peace in Ukraine and asked for the conflict to be resolved through dialogue and negotiations.