At the State Assembly today, a question was raised by Padungan State Assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen on what is the Bahasa Malaysia (BM) translation of the word “premier”?
Chong said the Malay language media translated “premier” as perdana menteri for prime minister.
Even Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) of the chief minister translated premier as perdana menteri.
“So what is the official version of word?” he asked, adding that without the official version, it has caused much confusion among the people.
Finally, he concluded that his side would not support to restyling of head of government of Sarawak as premier in place of chief minister.
He said the premier is not found in the Federal Constitution.
However, he said he will support the definition of the “federation” under Article 44 and the change of the words assistant ministers to deputy ministers.
Chong’s long-winded view on the term “premier” irked the ire of GPS State Assemblymen taking part in the debate.
Batu Kitang State Assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang asked him if he supports the bill.
Dudong State Assemblyman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing translated the term “premier” as “menteri perdana”.
Tupong State Assemblyman Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman the term “premier” is not for an individual person but to place it in a proper place.
“ Premier of Sarawak or Menteri Perdana Sarawak amatlah sesuai sekali,” he said.
He quoted Oxford Leaner’s Dictionary that gives the meaning of premier as most important, famous or successful while Merriem Dexter, which is the great American English dictionary gives the meaning of first in position, rank or importance.
He added Cambridge Dictionary defines the meaning as best or most important
“And from my little knowledge the word Premier originated from the Old French in 14th century which is taken from the Latin word ‘primarius’ which means ‘of the first rank, chief or principal.
“If we take an example from other commonwealth countries, we should do so as even standing order 89 allows the Speaker to have regards to the usage of Commonwealth Parliamentary Practices in the proceeding of the Dewan,” he added.
“In Canada, which is one of the commonwealth countries, the head of the federal leader is called Prime Minister and the provincial leaders are called premier. For example the Prime Minister of Canada is Justin Trudeau and the Premier of Ontario is Doug Ford.
“Regardless of the meaning and interpretation from different sources, what’s more important is the spirit behind the introduction of this new word or title.
“To signify the difference of the three partners forming Malaysia as stated in our Federal Constitution,” he said.
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