KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 — The issue on the use of the national language in Parliament is subjected to the National Language Act and the Standing orders of the Dewan Rakyat, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
She said English or other languages, apart from the national language, could be used by any members of the house when participating in a debate or making a speech in Parliament with the permission of the Speaker.
This is clearly stated in Standing Order 8 of the Dewan Rakyat, she said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2016 today.
Earlier, Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Bandar Kuching), when debating the motion on the Bill questioned on the right of the parliamentary members from Sabah and Sarawak to speak in English in Parliament, resulting in verbal exchanges among other members of the house.
In response to a question from Datuk Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena), who raised the issue to restrict the number of media personnel covering Parliament sitting, Azalina said the matter was also subjected to the Parliament Standing Order.
“Although the government appreciates the media, the decision to restrict on three representatives from each media agency is made due to repair and upgrading works at the Parliament building,” she added. — Bernama
