Court of Appeal President supports salary increase for interpreters to tackle shortage of Chinese and Tamil language specialists in Malaysia’s judiciary.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is being urged to address the critical shortage of court interpreters, particularly for Chinese and Tamil languages, through potential salary increases.
Court of Appeal President Datuk Abu Bakar Jais said a pay rise would honour existing interpreters’ contributions and attract more people to the profession.
“I hope the government will study this matter and, if feasible, implement it as soon as possible, because without interpreters, the court will not be able to hold sessions,” he told reporters.
He expressed full personal support for interpreters’ promotion and consideration for a pay rise in appreciation of their work.
Abu Bakar spoke at the 19th Bi-Annual General Meeting of the Union of Interpreters and Translators in Kuala Lumpur.
Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim also attended the event.
Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin had earlier urged the government to consider raising interpreters’ starting salaries to address manpower shortages.
She said the matter deserved attention as interpreters ensure the smooth functioning of the judicial system.
Chief Justice Datuk Seri Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh described interpreters as the backbone of the judicial process.
“As we all know, court duties cannot be performed single-handedly, as they require teamwork,” he said in his speech.
He noted interpreters’ role goes beyond merely translating language in court proceedings.
His speech text was read by Abu Bakar at the interpreters’ union meeting. – Bernama
