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In Malaysia, misuse the language, get fined
Associated Press
Oct. 6, 2006
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Malaysia plans to levy fines for incorrect use of its
national language and will set up a specialized division to weed out offenders
who mix Malay with English.
Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Rais Yatim said fines of up to $271 can be
imposed on displays with any wrong or mutated form of Malay, the Star newspaper
reported Thursday.
Fines will be imposed after a first warning, according to a report in the
national news agency Bernama.
Most Malaysians speak Malay, also known as Bahasa Malaysia. English is widely
spoken but a mutated form, known as "Manglish" - a mishmash of English, Malay
and other local dialects - is commonly used in the Southeast Asian nation.
Critics have said Malaysia's decision to sideline English in favor of Malay is
hurting its global competitiveness.
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