KUALA LUMPUR: The use of the national language in Parliament must be respected, said Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ronald Kiandee.
He said while Members of Parliament are allowed to converse in English for their debate speeches, it must done with the consent of the presiding Speaker in accordance with Standing Order 8.
"Penampang (Ignatius Dorell Leiking of PKR) delivered his debate speech in English, but only after consent by the speaker who had also said that this (conversing in English in the House) should not be made a culture," he said during the House committee meeting on the 2016 Budget.
Ronald was responding to an argument raised by Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Kuching) who had insisted on using English in the lower house.
Article 161 (2) states on the use of English in either House of Parliament by a member for or from Sabah or Sarawak.
This isn’t the first time the DAP lawmaker had waded into controversy. Last year, Chong had criticised the playing of the national anthem in cinemas during Merdeka month.
In a Facebook post, he had questioned whether Malaysia was headed towards a Communist era where “everywhere you go, you must shout out loud and show you are a patriot.”
Following the uproar which followed suit, Chong had apologised and retracted his remarks.
Meanwhile, Datuk Marcus Mojigoh (BN-Putatan) said the use of the national language must be respected.
"The issue of members who are Sabah and Sarawak natives does not arise here as we all represent our constituents from all walks of life.
“So, it is more important that we deliver in a manner that everyone can understand instead of focusing on using a language of preference.
“Even in the House, there are probably members who are not fluent in English. There is too much politics in the House.
“I hope that those who have been here longer could set a good example for the younger members to follow," he said.
Datuk Hasbullah Osman (BN-Gerik) said he hoped the Attorney-General's Chambers would study elements of disunity via the act of disrespecting the constitutional monarchy institution and the national language, as demonstrated by opposition lawmakers.