Election candidates to observe language politeness

Candidates fielded in the 13th general election have been urged not to ignore Bahasa Melayu politeness in the heat of campaigning.

Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) director-general Dr Awang Sariyan said differences in ideologies and political views were not an excuse to forsake language nuances which were the pride of a civilisation.

"While the general election is a democratic practice to choose elected representatives, we should not lose sight of good manners," he told Bernama here.

Awang said candidates irrespective of party they belonged to should take pride of Bahasa Melayu civility as a symbol of civilisation.

He said the use of Bahasa Melayu was not confine only to ceramah, but also campaign materials such as banners, posters and pamphlets.

Meanwhile, Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said candidates should use appropriate language during campaigning for they would be probable elected representatives.

"Let's campaign wisely and maturely ... do not use inappropriate language," he added.