KUALA LUMPUR – The government will continue to use English in countries where it is the main language of communication.
However, where the local language is not English or the local populace predominantly speak their own national language, then Bahasa Malaysia will be used.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob told reporters this in Bangkok today.
He said increasing the usage of Bahasa Malaysia abroad during official functions was part of the government’s agenda to popularise the national language.
“Where the mother tongue is predominantly used in official events such as countries like Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia, then Bahasa Malaysia will be used,” Ismail said.
He also said Malaysia will champion the use of Bahasa Malaysia as an Asean language since many among the Asean population can converse in it.
During his visit to Bangkok, Ismail said that he spoke in Bahasa Malaysia at all functions except one where those present spoke in English to deliver their speeches. – The Vibes, February 26, 2022