MALAY RIGHTS, BM ‘PROTECTED’

National language, special position of Malays outlined in Constitution, says PM

THE government will uphold Bahasa Malaysia as the national language and safeguard the special position and rights of Malays. Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said these matters were outlined in the Constitution, alongside the protection of the special position of natives of Sabah and Sarawak and the rights of other ethnic groups.

He said as stated in Article 153(1) of the Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was responsible for safeguarding the special position of Malays.

He said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was empowered to protect three areas that were special to the Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak, namely public service, economy and education.

“This is for jobs in the public sector, giving of scholarships, education or training, special facilities, as well as issuance of permits or licences under federal laws.”

Dr Mahathir was answering a question by Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) on the government’s promise to safeguard the rights of the Malays and Bumiputeras during the question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Dr Mahathir said the provision for Bahasa Malaysia was under Article 152 of the Constitution.

However, he said, anyone was free to use, teach and learn any other language outside official government functions.

“Based on this provision, the Federal Government and state governments have the right to safeguard and maintain the use and teaching of the language of other races,” he said.

On the use of Bahasa Malaysia in the public sector, he said the government would abide by service circular No. 9 issued in 2011, which was a guide on the use of the national language in public service.

“Any proposed amendment on this needs to be discussed and get the agreement of the Conference of Rulers, in line with Articles 159 and 38 of the Constitution.”