Hadi criticised for his ‘tiga ekor orang putih’ remark in Parliament.
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has criticised PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang over his use of the Malay language in Parliament, questioning his credibility in advocating for the elevation of the national language.
In a statement today, Lim acknowledged Hadi’s recognition 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 referred 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 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.
He 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 just 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.
Lim 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,” he added.
During the parliamentary debate on the royal address yesterday, the Marang MP expressed disappointment that Malay is often sidelined in favour of English, even when only a few foreigners are present.
He remarked that English is used at functions even when there are just “tiga ekor orang putih” (three white people).
“What is happening today is chaotic. In city shops, all kinds of languages are spoken, while the use of Malay is sometimes only ‘halus’ (minimal), whereas English is dominant—even though the English people are no longer around.
“Many among us can speak Malay, yet still use English in official letters and court discussions,” Hadi said.