DAP’s Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen is “insolent” for wanting to debate in English instead of Bahasa Malaysia in Parliament, said cabinet minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The rural and regional development minister said this when asked on the MP’s call in the Dewan Rakyat last week.

“He is demeaning Bahasa Malaysia. He is biadap (insolent) for not wanting to speak in Bahasa Malaysia in Parliament.

“This is not a matter of fundamental rights, but about whether we know the official language.

“No one has questioned this before, and even if they want to use English (terms) it is with permission (from the speaker) because people respect Bahasa Malaysia in Parliament, while the Bandar Kuching MP rejects Bahasa Malaysia,” he told reporters.

He told reporters this during break time at a graduation ceremony for a career training programme at Wisma Felcra, Kuala Lumpur, today.

There was uproar in the Dewan Rakyat last week over the request to debate in English.

Chong started his speech in Bahasa Malaysia but moved to English by arguing that this is his constitutional right.

No excuse

But Ismail Sabri says Bahasa Malaysia is the official language which is even used in courts.

“At a national level, Bahasa Malaysia is our national language so Parliament needs to use the national language,” he said.

“There is no excuse. Chong is the one who disrespected the Federal Constitution, because Bahasa Malaysia is the national language.”

Article 152 of the Federal Constitution states that Bahasa Malaysia is the national language.

Article 152 (a) states that other languages can be taught, learnt or used except for official purposes, that is for the government and other purposes of public authority.

Article 152(2) also provides a transition period of 10 years from Merdeka Day, for the country to move from English to Bahasa Malaysia for legislative proceedings.