Lim’s language controversy: View it on positive note, says Karambir
MIRI: Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng’s issuance of an official statement in three languages which has received much criticism from Malaysians, should be viewed positively in the interest of all Malaysians of different races.
Chairman of Miri Indian Association Karambir Singh said there was nothing wrong in issuing press releases in other languages besides Bahasa Malaysia.
“In my opinion, it should be done more often. The Sarawak government should also issue press releases in other languages such as English, Chinese and Iban to tell the people that the government is willing to communicate and engage with them pro-actively.”
Karambir also said that instead of lingering on the same old issue, Malaysians must move forward and ignore those who were holding them back.
Co- founder of Sarawak for Sarawakians ( S4S) movement Erick Chin, meanwhile said the issuance of press releases in Mandarin would probably only benefit the Chinese community.
“I am pretty sure the Chinese community are very happy because many of them prefer Mandarin over Bahasa Malaysia or English.
“However, whatever his ( Lim’s) intention, press releases in Mandarin must be done legitimately by tabling it in Parliament before being used officially if approved,” said Chin.
Lim has come under fire of late after issuing official statements in relation to the Tun Razak Exchange in three languages – Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin.