Debates allowed in English
Published on: Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: SPEAKER Datuk Syed Abas Syed Ali has ruled that State assemblymen can deliver their debate speeches at the State Legislative Assembly in English after going through existing laws and practices. He said they have to seek permission first before starting or make the request through the Speaker before proceeding with their arguments in the House. "I have analysed thoroughly the laws, such as Standing Order 42 (a) and also other provision of laws such as Article 152 (1) of the Federal Constitution, Article 11 A of the Sabah State Constitution and Section 5 of the National Language Act 1993, also the practice of using the English language as a regular medium in the past. ADVERTISEMENT Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"Based on the abovementioned laws and practices, I rule that, although the Malay language has been used as the main language during State Legislative Assembly debates, Assemblymen can use English during debates in this House," he said when opening the State Assembly sitting, here on Monday. This is in stark contrast with what transpired in Parliament in November last year when Penampang Member of Parliament Darrel Leiking's decision to use English in his speech drew flak from several members of parliament.