THE suggestion to impose a hefty fine or jail term on anyone who “disrespects” the Malay language is another display of arrogance by the federal government, its agencies and civil servants, said Selangau MP Baru Bian.

Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) chairman Prof Awang Sariyan earlier this week said the proposed penalty is not intended to punish but “evoke love and patriotism for the country”, which Baru said is “mind-boggling”.

“I can hardly see how punishing someone for a perceived disrespect of the Malay language can evoke love for the country.”

Awang proposed the DBP Act 1959 be amended to include a RM50,000 fine or imprisonment for anyone who disrespects the national language.

Baru said love for the country and patriotism must be nurtured by leaders, who should show care, concern and respect for the rights of all citizens.

“If all citizens are accorded the same equality, fairness and justice regardless of race and religion, they will naturally learn to love the country.

“Love and patriotism cannot be forced via coercion and punishment. In fact, such punitive measures can have the opposite effect – causing contempt and resentment.”

The Parti Sarawak Bersatu MP also asked what is included under the term “disrespectful”.

The word is commonly used and has a wide range of interpretations, he added.

“It is highly subjective whether a particular action or utterance is disrespectful. Certain art forms are seen as disrespectful by some people.

“All languages continue to evolve. Many Malay words are adopted from the English language.”

Baru reminded Awang that Sarawak has the right to use English as its second official language.

“This right is safeguarded under article 161 of the federal constitution and has never been relinquished by the state.

Will DBP find it disrespectful for Sarawak folk to continue to use the English language, he asked.

Sarawak folk will be more inclined to DBP if they can engage in constructive nation-building, such as reviving the Borneo Literature Bureau (BLB) that produced quality publications in the past, he added.

BLB was discontinued in 1977, following a DBP takeover.

“In the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia, DBP should acknowledge that the ethnic languages of Sabah and Sarawak must be protected and preserved so our cultures and traditions can be passed on to future generations,” said Baru.

“Promoting the national language via educational and entertaining methods is far more effective than treating citizens like schoolchildren and threatening them with punishment.” – June 24, 2022.