Government departments are taking steps to implement the decision on the compulsory use of the Malay language in government administration.

Malaysian Museum Department public relations officer Haizuhailie Baharuddin said the department had been using Bahasa Melayu extensively, except when dealing with international parties where English is used.

Even then, she said, working papers in English received by the department would be translated into Malay.

She welcomed the move to make the use of the national language compulsory in all government administration, saying it was a positive move.

"We feel the circular to be issued by the government on the use of Bahasa Melayu is a positive step towards the widespread use of the language," she told Bernama .

"Most of us mix English with Bahasa Melayu. This does not reflect our seriousness in using Bahasa Melayu in official business. If its use is made compulsory, we cannot use English," she said.

Cabinet decision

NONE Yesterday, Muhyiddin ( right ) said the cabinet decided to use the national language to strengthen its role in official business and government administration.

Health Ministry public relations officer Harun Maddash said it was proper for the policy to be expanded to cover non-government agencies.

"I am confident Bahasa Melayu can be on par with the mother tongues of other nations such as Japan and China, if the move is implemented in government and pivate sectors," he said.

Nonetheless, he said it was difficult to translate certain medical terms in English to Bahasa Melayu, hence, the usage of English had to be continued.

- Bernama