Malaysiakini.com（http://www.malaysiakini.com）
Multi-lingual signboards: Penang gov't says it has prerogative, 15 January 2009
by Athi Veeranggan
A state government has the prerogative and discreet powers to erect multi-lingual signboards where and when it deems fit, and no individual has the right to challenge its decision.
This was stated by the Penang government in its statement of defence submitted at the High Court in Georgetown today against a suit filed by a businessman from Pahang on Nov 4 last year.
In its statement of defence submitted by lawyer Jagdeep Singh Deo (left), the state government also stated that the businessman, Nik Rizman Sapian, 33, had no locus standi to challenge the state government's prerogative and powers to erect multi-lingual signboards since he was not a Penang resident.
"Therefore the writ of summons of the plaintiff shall be dismissed with costs," said the statement.
Jagdeep is among 10 lawyers, led by senior advocate and DAP national chairperson Karpal Singh, given special permission by the Attorney-General's Chambers to represent the Pakatan Rakyat state government and Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) in the lawsuit.
MPPP and the state government were named the first and second defendants respectively by the plaintiff, a member of Gabungan Graduan Melayu Muda (GGMM) who is seeking a High Court injunction against both government authorities for erecting the signboards.
In its defence, the state government sought to dismiss the suit against the MPPP for the local council had only carried out state executive council directives on the policy.
The statement also claimed that the Penang government policy to erect multi-lingual signboards was in accordance with provisions enshrined under Article 152 of the federal constitution and the National Language Act, which upholds the official status of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language.
Catering to tourists
In its statement of defence, the MPPP argued that it had been erecting multi-lingual signboards since February 2007.
It stated that the state executive council's decision on Oct 24, 2008 to erect multi- lingual signboards was to expand the existing policy to heritage areas in Georgetown, which, together with Malacca, was declared a world heritage site by Unesco on July 8, 2008.
"The state executive council decided to expand the policy by erecting Mandarin and Arabic signs to cater to the needs of tourists from China and the Middle East," said the MPPP statement.
The statement also pointed out precedence of using multi-lingual signboards in Sarawak and east coast states to back MPPP's defence.
Jagdeep said the plaintiff would be given a 14-day period to file a notice of case management, after which the court would decide on a mention date.
In his suit, GGMM pro-tem committee member, Nik Rizman said he felt obliged to stop the authorities in Penang from "belittling the official status of Bahasa Malaysia".
In the writ, filed by his lawyer Sahrihan Jani, he also sought a declaration that the plan by the state authorities to add other languages to signboards has violated Article 152 of the federal constitution, which upholds the official status of Bahasa Malaysia.
In addition to the court declaration and injunction, Nik Rizman is seeking costs and other relief deemed fit by the court.
Nik Rizman told journalists then that he had natural responsibility and rights as a citizen and Malay to defend the position of Bahasa Malaysia as the national language and official medium of instruction, as enshrined in the federal constitution.
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