THE bold decision by the government to use Bahasa Melayu at every official function, including during working visits abroad, is not a step backwards, rather it is a serious effort to promote the use of the national language, the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) said.

Its president Adnan Mat said Cuepacs did not see the use of Bahasa Melayu at international meetings as a problem because as stated by Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, technology allows for the language to be translated in a short time.

“If other countries can do it, why do we need so many excuses to implement it (use of Bahasa Melayu in international meetings). Cuepacs hopes the government will be firm in implementing this, especially involving official functions in the country.

The use of Bahasa Melayu in any official government transactions in the country should be done first before it is to be implemented abroad,” he said in a statement today.

He said this is because many functions hosted by government agencies did not use Bahasa Melayu as a medium of delivery, adding that the use of the language should also be prioritised in federal and state statutory bodies.

Yesterday, Ismail said Malaysia would use Bahasa Melayu at every official function it is involved in, including at international meetings, as part of efforts to strengthen the use of the national language. – Bernama, February 27, 2022.