Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Dr Rais Yatim today urged the nation's leaders to speak in proper Bahasa Melayu at official functions to encourage the right usage of the national language.

He said the language culture among the current leaders was akin to 'Touch 'n Go', which would be emulated by others.

"We must speak the national language correctly. The correct use of Bahasa Melayu should begin with those in authority.

"If the leaders do not converse in proper Bahasa Melayu, our younger generation will also not speak the language correctly," he was quoted as saying in a Bernama report.

The minister warned that if the trend was left unchecked, it would spawn a generation of Malaysians who converse in bahasa rojak (mixed language).

In view of this, Rais reiteirated that leaders must set an example by speaking the language correctly.

"For instance, when you speak in English, speak in proper English. Likewise, when speaking in Bahasa Melayu, speak the language correctly.

Erosion of culture

Rais also said those who disputed the government's action in the bahasa rojak issue were not honouring the national language as enshrined under Article 160 of the Federal Constitution.

"If such a honour is not accorded to the national language, why should we enact the National Language Act? Since we've the Act, we should implement it," he said.

Previously, the minister had also expressed his concern over the erosion of Malay culture.

He said the Malays were inclined to follow the Arabic culture, right down to the point of wearing their clothes.