Responding to former transport ministry secretary-general Ramon Navaratnam and former trade and industry minister Rafidah Aziz, who supported the use of English in official matters, Sallehuddin said they placed excessive emphasis on English to the detriment of the national language, overlooking Malay’s cultural and historical significance.
“Dewan Bahasa has always emphasised the prioritisation of Malay and encouraged the mastery of other languages like English, Tamil, Arabic and Chinese,” he said.
Sallehuddin pointed out that Article 152 of the Federal Constitution makes Malaysia the national language and the National Language Act requires the use of Malay for all official purposes.
“We must consider these aspects and not simply adopt foreign languages in the name of progress.
“Even the public service department has issued a directive advising government officials to use the national language. If another language is needed, it may be considered as a secondary option,” he said.
Sallehuddin criticised in particular the use of English in government campaigns such as Kuala Lumpur’s “Car-Free Morning” and the domestic trade and cost of living ministry’s “Program Jualan Rahmah Madani Back to School 2025” initiative.
“We can use phrases such as ‘Balik ke Sekolah’ or ‘Pagi Bebas Kereta’ instead,” he said.
In criticising the use of English at official functions, Hazami previously said civil servants who do not use Malay in government affairs were disrespecting the Federal Constitution and the National Language Act.
However, Ramon said there was a need for “a more balanced, reasonable and rational approach” on the matter.
“If Bahasa Melayu is ignored deliberately, then people have a right to question why. But it is bad to label everybody who uses English (in government material) as disrespecting the Federal Constitution,” he said.
“This is a complicated and emotional matter. The government should discuss this issue at the Cabinet level because one misguided directive can cause confusion and misunderstanding,” Ramon told FMT.
Rafidah said many nations now gave priority to English for its vital role in enabling effective communication and accessing a vast repository of knowledge.