Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) will remove an offensive example of the use of the word kecinaan (Chinese characteristics) from the third edition of 'Kamus Dewan' so that it does not give an inaccurate impression of opposition party DAP.

In a letter dated Sept 10, DBP director general A Aziz Deraman informed the party that DBP would substitute the example cited with one that is more appropriate.

DBP is a government agency responsible for language and literary development. It also publishes the authoritative Malay-language dictionary 'Kamus Dewan'.

DAP had protested over the sentence which was used as an example to explain the use of the word kecinaan. The sentence referred to DAP as a party that played up sentimen kecinaan (Chinese sentiments).

Aziz also explained in the letter that DBP had not coined the sentence, but had used information published in newspapers.

He said that the changes will be reflected in the next edition of the dictionary.

"We also apologise for whatever confusion caused and express our gratitude for the input given," he said.

Negative perception

Reacting to this, DAP assistant publicity secretary John Chung said DBP's proactive attitude was "laudable and should be emulated by all government agencies".

"I welcome the positive reply from DBP as well as the apology tendered for the confusion that has arisen," he said in a statement.

DAP had submitted a protest note to DBP on Aug 14, stating that the example insinuated that the "party played up Chinese sentiments and champions only the rights and interests of the Chinese".

The party claimed that such a depiction would give rise to a negative perception of the party among the users of the dictionary, and asked DBP to refrain from using political examples.

DAP also took the opportunity to ask why words like 'India', 'Iban' and 'Kadazan' have been excluded, when the dictionary currently lists words like 'Melayu' and 'Cina'.

Aziz responded by saying that these words would be included in the next edition. No date has been set for it to be published, but DBP is now in the final stages of editing.

A court case was filed against DBP recently by an Indian Muslim association which sought a declaration that the DBP had failed in its statutory responsibility based on the manner which it listed the word 'keling' and its metaphors in the dictionary.