FACEBOOK users have told Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng to use Bahasa Malaysia, the nation’s official language, in his statements, and to not be arrogant.

“Malay first, then, any other language you like. Arrogant fellow this LGE,” said user Cheik Lim, commenting on reports that Guan Eng has been slammed for posting an official statement in Mandarin.

Many others on the social networking site echoed Cheik Lim’s sentiment.

Soon after Guan Eng was appointed to head the Finance Ministry last month, it began issuing statements in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin.

This has been Guan Eng’s practice since his days as Penang chief minister over the last 10 years, when his statements were often issued in more than one language, including Mandarin.

Previously, this had never been turned into an issue against the popular politician, who is fluent in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin – until some started finding fault with the ministry statements in Mandarin posted on Guan Eng’s Facebook page.

He has defended his use of Mandarin in official statements, saying the federal constitution allows the use of the Chinese language in such statements.

He said Mandarin translations of his press statements are provided when necessary to aid Chinese-language media in their reporting, especially when technical terms are involved.

The DAP secretary-general said the use of another language shows that the Pakatan Harapan government recognises the advantages of being multilingual and globalised.

However, popular social media user Art Harun said: “Don’t be stupid.”

He said Guan Eng is “really pushing it”, and “there is a limit to the ‘new Malaysia’”.

He said Bahasa Malaysia is the official language under the constitution.

“You are issuing a press statement and conducting a press conference as part of discharging your OFFICIAL duties. Don’t be arrogant and dismissive of this.

“What Malaysian official issues statements in Mandarin, when the official language is Bahasa Malaysia? (you see, I am not even calling it Bahasa Melayu.)”

Art Harun, who is a lawyer, said Guan Eng is sending the wrong signal after he had earlier proclaimed to be Malaysian, not Chinese.

Shortly after being appointed as finance minister, Guan Eng had told a journalist this after he was asked how he felt about being the first Chinese to be given the post in 44 years.

Art Harun said he is not a racist, and neither was he talking about Malay rights or the proverbial “martabatkan Bahasa Melayu” (dignify the Malay language) in his criticism.

Pasha Dhal Ajit slammed the minister for his “sheer arrogance and ignorance”, adding that it is “totally unacceptable” for him to use Mandarin “as the language of choice when making official statements” on whichever media platform.

Another Facebook user, Viji Rajasundram, said Guan Eng should focus on the national agenda instead of communal politics.

“You are a federal minister. Not the president of the ‘National Organisation for Mandarin Usage’.

“Don’t let stupid things distract you, including your DAP supporters, who we Malaysians have to learn to trust.

“Don’t do stupid things. Malaysian First. Remember that.”

Ibn Nik Wajis said Guan Eng is not finance minister of China, and so, he should use a common language that everyone understands.

“If you want to talk (in) Mandarin, go ahead, but not in official government statements. I am a strong supporter of PH, but I beg to differ on this one!”

Nicholas Gomez went as far as to say: “Why don’t we do away with vernacular schools?

“Wasn’t it British colonial policy (1786-1957) to allow vernacular schools to exist? Part of the divide-and-rule strategy?”

Nur Haimi said this is Malaysia, not China, and included the middle-finger emoji in his post.

“You guys having problems understanding Bahasa Malaysia? Please go to Japan and speak Mandarin there.”

James JT, in a reply to Nur Haimi, said: “So, when (Prime Minister) Tun (Dr Mahathir Mohamad) & (former prime minister) Najib (Razak) speak English… why don’t you tell them this is Malaysia, not England?”

Even Guan Eng’s PH colleagues from Penang Bersatu have joined the chorus of criticism. Its Youth wing, in a statement on Facebook, said it disagreed with the use of Mandarin in official government statements.

Earlier today, Umno leaders contesting top party positions hit out at the minister.

A number of social media users have told Guan Eng to apologise. But, some were not so quick to slam him, understanding that the statements in Mandarin had been translated from the Bahasa Malaysia and English versions.

“What a stupid issue to get angry at,” said Marcus Leong, while Asmadi Dios said some quarters are turning a small matter into a big issue.

“RM1 trillion debt not an issue, but using another language is an issue?” said Thomas Lee.

Pearly Ung said: “Yes, especially (over) one particular language. And these people claim they are not racist!

“LGE did his official duty and released it in BM. But, these arrogant racists still spin it as thought he committed a constitutional crime.”

Samson Nejar said he does not see the problem with having Mandarin statements issued alongside Bahasa Malaysia ones, as they are “after all, investor-friendly”.

Caroline Soosai said the ministry’s statements are issued in three languages, not just Mandarin.

“I see nothing wrong with that… seeing that a lot of Malay and Indian parents send their kids to Chinese schools… I made the mistake of not reading the full article and assumed it was just in Mandarin.

“I wonder if people who commented here (on Facebook) also made the same mistake.”

Greg Pereira said the matter stemmed from a misunderstanding, and that issuing statements in multiple languages to help improve understanding is “the way to go”.

He said the “idiotic reactions of (racists)” and the condemnation hurled at Guan Eng showed that “we aren’t truly moving forward as a nation”.

“With people who shout racism, there will still be racists.

“Fools that call hardworking, sincere public servants ‘stupid’ after all the changes he has done in the past months, (it shows) their intellect… (PH) has (had) only… a few months to eradicate decades of hate and damage that the previous government had done.

“Where was your voice of reason to scream ‘stupid’ when that was being done?

“Be patient and thoughtful of the struggles we face. Spread love and support to get rid of the hate. Please lah. Don’t be a fool.”

Mohammad Sidek A. Wahab said PH has to put in solid effort to encourage interracial and inter-religious harmony.

“Only then will language no longer be an issue.” – June 25, 2018.