PUBLISHERS should learn to be extra careful and check with relevant experts before using certain terms or words so as to not offend any community.
“We have universities which have faculties of ethnic studies and Indian studies. It’s best for publishers to consult them before publishing certain words or terms that may deem offensive to certain community.
“There is a need to be cautious as we live in a multiracial society. Sometimes, this type of issues can be exploited by certain quarters to create unnecessary problems,” MIC National Wanita chief SJ Usha Nadhini told FocusM.
Two days ago, Malaysiakini reported that the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) has used a derogatory word to explain the meaning of a Tamil word, “tambi”.
According to the online version of Kamus Dewan, provided by the DBP, it defined “tambi” as “panggilan utk orang Keling yg lebih muda drpd kita”.
While “tambi” means “younger brother”, the word “keling” has been used for decades as a derogatory word to describe the Indian community.
Following the outcry, DBP executive director Abang Sallehuddin Abg Shokeran said amendments will be made to its online dictionary.
“Sensitivity module” at schools
“The online dictionary will be updated. The word ‘keling’ will be replaced with ‘India’ (for definitions) in line with the more recent dictionaries published by DBP,” he was reported saying yesterday.
As per FocusM’s check this morning, the DBP has already made the said amendment.
Touching on the matter, Usha urged the Government to update its Civics Education module at schools to promote respect for multiracial Malaysia among schoolchildren.
“I agree that we need to teach our kids to respect every community in Malaysia and it should start at the school level.
“While parents can also contribute by teaching such things at home, we need such matters to be intertwined in our formal school sessions as well,” she opined.
Usha then called for National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamad Sadique and Education Minister Mohd Radzi Jidin to work together on the matter.
“Both ministers can embark on multiple programmes and campaigns to educate Malaysians on our unique multicultural fabric and its sensitivities,” she added. – March 23, 2021.
