Penang - The House rejected an emergency motion by Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Independent – Pasir Mas) to discuss the Penang state government`s decision to install road signs in various languages.
Ibrahim said the Penang government had contravened Articles 152 and 153 of the Constitution by ignoring the status of Bahasa Melayu as the national language.
“The national language should be used in street names, which reflects the country`s sovereignty. The use of many types of languages on road signs will create confusion,” he said.
“The Penang government`s move is an insult to the status of the national language as stated in the Constitution. I urge the House to discuss this serious matter.”
Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said that although the matter was specific and of public interest, he rejected the motion under Article 18(2) of the Standing Orders.
It was reported that the Penang government would put up road signs in different languages at its heritage enclaves by next month.
Chong Chieng Jen (DAP – Bandar Kuching) later slammed Ibrahim for filing the motion.
“He is a political creature stuck in the last century.
“For the benefit of those who have never been to Sarawak, we have many road signages in English and Bahasa Malaysia, there is nothing unconstitutional about it,” he said, adding that Malaysia was, after all, a multiracial and multilingual nation.
Source: http://thestar.com.my (November 05, 2008)
