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Monday, May 4, 2015

Why must reps have SPM BM credit, ask Pakatan MPs

PKR Padang Serai MP N. Surendran says the Election Commission (EC) should leave it to the people to decide who they wanted to represent them in a state assembly or Dewan Rakyat, without adding limitations. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, May 4, 2015.PKR Padang Serai MP N. Surendran says the Election Commission (EC) should leave it to the people to decide who they wanted to represent them in a state assembly or Dewan Rakyat, without adding limitations. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, May 4, 2015.
The proposal that elected representatives should have at least a credit in Bahasa Melayu (BM) in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination has been dismissed as unnecessary by several Pakatan Rakyat MPs, who said such paper qualifications proved nothing.
PKR's Padang Serai MP N. Surendran said the Election Commission (EC) should leave it to the people to decide who they wanted to represent them in a state assembly or Dewan Rakyat, without adding limitations.
"I think those who support the idea, including the EC, who said they will study it, have lost sight of a very fundamental principle: the voters must decide on what kind of representative they want.
Surendran said the current conditions required for a person to stand for elections – to be of sound mind, have no prior convictions, not be a convict and to be above the age of 21 – were sufficient and practised among all Commonwealth countries.
The PKR vice-president said he had never heard of any country placing such educational limitations for those who wished to run for elections.
"A credit in BM also does not guarantee proficiency in BM. There are many people who are very proficient in the language, but may have not acquired the qualification in the exam hall."
He added that the EC should be focusing on the quality and calibre of the individual who was offering himself up for elections, rather than "paper qualifications".
"The focus should be on the quality of public service, their dedication and commitment to the welfare of the people.
"These are what the EC should be worrying about and ensuring they are elected."
DAP Seremban MP Anthony Loke said the EC did not even have the power to study the proposals.
"The requirements of an elected representative are stated in the Federal Constitution, so such a proposal would require amending the constitution.
"So no one can stop a person from contesting in an election beyond what is stipulated in the constitution. For the EC to state that they will study it is unconstitutional."
The DAP national organising secretary also echoed Surendran's comments that a credit in the BM SPM examination was unnecessary.
"Of course, they must have a good command of BM, but those who have become MPs, even without a credit in BM, will pick up the language. So I don't think it's a must (to have a credit in the BM SPM paper).
"As long as that candidate commands the confidence of the electorate, that should be enough. I am sure the voters can assess the candidate's ability," said the Chennah assemblyman.
However, Umno's Tanjong Karang MP Datuk Seri Noh Omar said he agreed with the proposal because BM was the national language.
"I agree with it because BM is the national language. Even if you want to be hired, you often need a credit in BM. It is also in line with our policy to strengthen BM," he said.
However, when asked whether he believed his colleagues in the Dewan Rakyat lacked proficiency in the language, Noh said, "from my observation in Parliament, the majority can speak in BM."
Bernama reported the EC was considering the proposal that those wanting to become MPs or state assemblymen should have at least a credit in Bahasa Melayu in the SPM examination.
- TMI

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