The Federation of Malaysian National Writers Association (Gapena) does not agree with the demand of the United Chinese School Committees Association (Dong Zong) to make Mandarin as the official language in Chinese schools nationwide.

Gapena Head 1, Prof Abdul Latiff Abu Bakar, said the demand contravened the Federal Constitution which stated that Bahasa Malaysia was the official language in the country.

"Other languages should not be turned into an issue to challenge the status of the national language of this country," he said at Gapena's discourse programme at Sekolah Menengah (Perempuan) St George in Georgetown today.

He said by end of this month, Gapena would submit a memorandum asking the government to ignore the demand made by Dong Zong.

"We also urge all non-governmental organisations to support and join us in defending the rightful position of Bahasa Malaysia," he said.

He said among the contents of the memorandum were to review the syllabus for oral language to ensure that every citizen could use the national language fluently.

Abdul Latiff also reminded the public to respect Bahasa Malaysia as the national language, instead of perceiving it as a language that discriminates the people.

- Bernama