Tiga Ekor Orang Putih Dap Mp Asks If Hadi Skipped Grammar Lessons

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Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has criticised PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang over his use of the Malay language in Parliament, questioning the credibility of his advocacy for elevating the national language.
In a statement today, Lim welcomed Hadi’s awareness of the importance of upholding Malay as the national language but argued that such advocacy is meaningless if leaders themselves fail to use it correctly.
He pointed to Hadi’s remark in Parliament yesterday, where the PAS president allegedly said that English is used at functions even when there are just “tiga ekor orang putih (three white people)”.
"Since when are humans counted using ‘ekor’ (a classifier for animals)? This is the basic Malay language taught in kindergarten - ‘orang’ for people, ‘ekor’ for animals.
"Did Hadi skip grammar classes as a child, or did he deliberately use the term to insult others?" Lim questioned.
Lim argued that if Hadi’s phrasing was an honest mistake, it was embarrassing for someone who claims to champion the Malay language. However, if it was intentional, he said, it reflected not only ignorance but also arrogance and racism - qualities unfit for parliamentary discourse.
"Does PAS endorse their president’s remarks? Is this the level of language and decorum they teach their supporters?" he asked.
Set good example
He further stressed that as the leader of a major political party, Hadi should set a good example rather than use Parliament as a platform for racial provocation.
"If he is sincere about upholding the Malay language, he should start by using it correctly and with respect," Lim added.
Debating the royal address in Parliament yesterday, the Marang MP expressed disappointment that the Malay language is often sidelined in favour of English, especially when only a few foreigners are present.
He said English is used at functions even when there are just “tiga ekor orang putih (three white people)”.
“What is happening today is chaotic, in the shops in the city, the capital, all kinds of languages are spoken, (the use of) the Malay language is sometimes only ‘halus’ (minimal), while English is prominent (even though the English people are no longer around).
“Many among us are able to speak Malay, but still use English in official letters and discussions in court," Hadi said. - Mkini

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