LETTER | Wreaking havoc with language

LETTER | Social media erupted when users flocked in to criticise Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail for defending an immigration officer who was allegedly rude to a woman who wanted to renew her daughter’s passport.

Saifuddin asserted that Malaysians must master Bahasa Malaysia, which is the national language, and that it is justifiable for the officer to “feel suspicious” about the woman’s citizenship when she cannot speak Malay well.

It is understandable for a government official to attempt to leverage the national language’s status. There is also no excuse for Malaysians for being unable to converse in the Malay language, given it is the national language and is taught across all streams of schools.

However, Saifuddin made a huge mistake by defending the officer’s rude behaviour. Government officers do not have the right and power to scold government department visitors for being unable to speak Malay.

What if the woman in the viral social media post is indeed not a Malaysian citizen but a tourist? It would have hurt Malaysia’s image badly.

This incident should also remind us of the unprofessional behaviours of some government officers.

Earlier this year, Malaysians witnessed and experienced a wave of “dress policing” in government departments, police stations and hospitals. Help seekers were denied access and service just because they were allegedly dressed improperly.

If the unity government is serious about unity and equality, then it should hold these officers accountable for their unethical acts that erode the people’s trust in the quality of government services.

It is also a dangerous remark to make when Saifuddin said the officer has all the reasons to be suspicious of the woman’s citizenship due to her allegedly poor command of the Malay language.

READ MORE: Fact-check: Knowing BM isn't condition to renew passport

The woman certainly brought her identification card or any other documents that could prove her Malaysian citizenship when she attempted to renew her daughter’s passport.

Putting the issue of language aside, this is also part of the requirements of passport renewal.

In addition, Malaysia is a multicultural country comprising different types of languages and every single one of them could be the mother tongue of a community.

The unity government has more than once pledged that it would defend such diversity from the threats of extremism.

Understanding M’sia diversity

It is normal for Malaysians to speak “bahasa rojak” - where several languages and dialects are mixed in their daily conversations. This does not make anyone less Malaysian.

Therefore, one’s citizenship should not be doubted in any circumstances as long as he or she possesses the needed documents to prove that he or she is not a foreigner.

Saifuddin is rated as one of the worst-performing ministers among some amid the first anniversary of the unity government. As the power holder that governs the internal peace of the country, he should reflect on his actions and choose his words wisely moving on.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.