DBP Director Says Civil Servants Who Prioritise English Over Bahasa Melayu are Disrespecting the Constitution

Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) director-general Dr Hazami Jahari yesterday (24 March) reprimanded Malaysian civil servants from various ministries and government departments for prioritising English over Bahasa Melayu, saying that they are not showing respect for the Federal Constitution.

In an interview with BERNAMA, Dr Hazami was quoted as saying that the reprimands were issued because these civil servants use English over the national language when naming programmes, premises, courses and campaigns.

DBP director-general calls out civil servants who prioritise English over Bahasa Melayu

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Furthermore, DBP also issued reprimands to organisers and management for using English in official government events attended by Malaysians.

The DBP director-general cited the use of English in public displays, such as the names of programmes such as “Back to School” and “KL Car Free Morning”, despite the majority of participants being Malaysians.

Dr Hazami also called out the use of English by programme organisers throughout the entire programme when there are only up to three foreign participants in attendance.

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He then compared this to how the national language is prioritised in developed countries, asserting,

“If we go to China, France, or Germany, for example, they will use their national language, their mother tongue. We would need to find a translator to understand what they are saying,

“Developed countries show greater respect for their languages. If we want to become a developed country, we must respect our own national language,”

Dr hazami jahari

Dr Hazami says those who do not uphold Bahasa Melayu are disrespecting the Federal Constitution

The DBP director-general added that those who do not uphold Bahasa Melayu in government business are not showing respect for the Federal Constitution, which outlines the position of the language for official matters.

Dr Hazami said,

“The Federal Constitution clearly outlines the position of the Malay language for official matters in government departments, as stipulated under Article 152(6).

“Those who do not uphold and use Bahasa Melayu in government business are not showing respect for the Federal Constitution,”

Previously, the DBP director-general lamented the attitude towards Bahasa Melayu in our country, claiming that Malaysia is the “world’s weirdest country” as its citizens seem to be embarrassed to speak the national language.

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So, what do you guys think of the whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. 

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