Use of dialects in parliament limited to brief instances: Parliament Head of Comms

The use of dialects or non-official languages in Parliament is limited to brief instances, said the head of Parliament's communications and engagement department, Tay Wee Ling.

This was in response to two forum letters submitted to The Straits Times that commented on Minister of Manpower Tan See Leng's use of Cantonese during the Committee of Supply debates on Mar. 7.

@mothershipsg Manpower minister Tan See Leng used a Cantonese movie quote to describe his interactions with NCMP Leong Mun Wai in Parliament #singapore #sgnews #tiktoksg #fypsg #parliament ♬ original sound - Mothership

One letter was impressed by  Tan's use of a Cantonese quote from a Hong Kong movie and called it  "a refreshing change from the usual proceedings".

The other letter questioned whether the use of dialects or non-official languages is permitted, noting that some in Parliament who were unfamiliar with Cantonese were left confused.

"Members from both sides of the House, including ministers, have occasionally included a short phrase or quote in dialect or other languages to illustrate a point. Such expressions are the exception," said Tay.

Accessible and comprehensible

According to the Constitution, all debates and discussions in Parliament should be conducted in Malay, English, Mandarin or Tamil.

Tay noted that the rules governing parliamentary language and conduct ensure parliamentary proceedings remain accessible and comprehensible to all Singaporeans.

"Please be assured that maintaining appropriate decorum and professionalism, including the use of languages, will remain key priorities in Parliament."

Back and forth

On Mar. 7, Tan summed up his debate with Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) Leong Mun Wai, quoting Andy Lau from the movie "Blood Brothers".

Tan said, in Cantonese:

"I say but you don't listen, you listen but you don't understand, you understand but you don't do, you do but do it wrongly, you do it wrongly but don't admit, you admit but don't change, you change but you are not convinced, then what do you want me to do?'

On Mar. 8,  Leong responded to Tan in Cantonese.

@mothershipsg Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) Leong Mun Wai has responded to Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng. On Mar. 7 in parliament, Tan replied to Leong's persistent employment data-related questions by quoting Andy Lau from the movie "Blood Brothers". Leong had raised the issue of underemployment, and urged the government to provide "conclusive evidence and statistics". "I’ve done my best repeatedly to explain to him over and over again, but he still refuses to listen," Tan said. #sgnews #tiktoksg #fyp #singapore ♬ original sound - Mothership

He said he had to ask the question again because Tan had not answered it. Leong clarified that his persistent employment data-related questions were due to concerns raised by Singaporeans about employment and job loss.

Leong also claimed that the numbers provided by the minister conflate Singaporeans and Permanent Residents and that the minister refused to answer him when he asked for employment data that separated such demographics.

He concluded his video by asserting that his approach has always been to voice the concerns of the people, to seek policy solution and added, "Justice is in the hearts of the people."

Top photo via MDDI/YouTube