Penang backbencher proposes English as state's second official language

GEORGE TOWN: A backbencher Monday suggested that the DAP government of Penang consider making English the second official language of the state, in view of the desire to make George Town an international city.

Jagdeep Singh Deo (DAP-Datuk Keramat) said English was also important because it was the lingua franca in most countries of the world.

"I am not dismissing Bahasa Malaysia as the national language and official language of the country, but English is also important, and I ask the state government to consider making it the second official language in Penang," he said during the debate on the Supply Bill 2011 in the state assembly.

Jagdeep also suggested that the state government name several roads in the state after veteran leaders from the Pakatan Rakyat pact in recognition of their contribution to politics.

"The previous state government had taken the initiative to name several roads after political leaders, one case being Jalan Yap Chor Ee. We can perhaps name a road in Butterworth after a veteran leader from Pakatan," he said. - Bernama