What if the court interpreter translates my evidence wrongly?

Many witnesses in Malaysian courts give evidence through an interpreter, in Mandarin, Tamil, a Chinese dialect or another language. Court interpreters do demanding work, and most interpretation is accurate. But occasionally a witness hears their answer come out differently. This article explains what to do.

Why does interpretation matter so much?

Proceedings in Malaysian courts are generally conducted in the national language, and English may be used in some situations under section 8 of the National Language Acts 1963/67. When you give evidence in another language, the judge and lawyers rely on the interpreter's version. What goes into the record is usually the interpreted answer.

A small change can matter: "I think" becoming "I know", "about 9 o'clock" becoming "9 o'clock", or "he pushed me" becoming "he hit me". That is why it is worth catching errors as they happen.

How do I know if something has gone wrong?

You may notice:

• the interpreter's version is much shorter or longer than your answer;
• a word you understand in Malay or English is not what you meant;
• the next question assumes something you did not say;
• the judge or lawyer looks puzzled by your answer.

If you understand some Malay or English, listen to the interpretation of your answers.

Have a question about your own situation? Ask on WhatsApp

What should I do in the witness box?

1. Stay calm and polite. Interpreters are officers of the court doing their best.
2. Say so at once: "Sorry, I don't think that is what I said" or "May I explain that again?"
3. Ask for the question to be repeated if you did not understand it.
4. Give the answer again in short, simple sentences.
5. If unsure, address the judge: "Yang Arif, may I clarify my answer?"

Do not argue with the interpreter, and do not start answering in a language you are not comfortable with just to avoid the problem.

What can my lawyer do?

Your lawyer, or the lawyer who called you, may:

• raise the point with the judge at the time;
• ask you to clarify in re-examination;
• ask the court to check the record of your evidence;
• in some cases, ask for a different interpreter, for example if a particular dialect is needed.

Tell your lawyer during a break if you think something was wrongly interpreted, but do not discuss the content of your evidence with anyone else while you are still giving it. See our article on discussing the case during evidence.

What about dialects and technical terms?

If your strongest language is a dialect such as Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew or Hakka, tell your lawyer well before the hearing so the court can be asked to arrange suitable interpretation. Availability depends on the court.

If your evidence involves technical words, such as medical, engineering or accounting terms, mention this early too. A short glossary given to your lawyer can help, but the interpretation itself is for the court.

What about documents in another language?

Documents not in the language of the court generally need to be translated. If you think a translation of a document in the bundle is wrong, tell your lawyer before trial so it can be raised properly.

Common mistakes

• Long answers that are hard to interpret accurately.
• Saying nothing when you notice an error, hoping it does not matter.
• Correcting angrily, which can look like evasiveness.
• Switching languages midway without telling the court.
• Changing your evidence to match a mistranslation. Always give your true answer; see our article on perjury.

When to speak to a lawyer

Speak to a lawyer before you give evidence if you need an interpreter, use a dialect, or will refer to technical terms, and straight away if you think your evidence was wrongly interpreted. Chris & Partners, led by Dr Chee Hui Bing, handles civil and criminal litigation in Johor and the Klang Valley. Contact us; every case depends on its facts.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my own interpreter?

Interpretation in court is generally provided by the court. Ask your lawyer if you have particular needs.

Can I give evidence partly in English and partly in Mandarin?

It is best to choose the language you are most comfortable with and stay with it. Tell the court if you need to switch.

What if I only notice the error after I finish?

Tell your lawyer promptly. They can consider whether and how to raise it.

Will the judge think I am lying if I correct the interpreter?

A polite, prompt clarification is normal. Courts want the record to be accurate.

Is it the interpreter's fault if I am misunderstood?

Not always. Long or unclear answers are harder to interpret. Speak in short sentences.

Sources & fact check

Legal points in this article were checked against the primary sources below. The law can change; this is general information, not legal advice.

1. National Language Acts 1963/67 (Act 32), including section 8, AGC Laws of Malaysia
2. Criminal Procedure Code (Act 593), Attorney General's Chambers Laws of Malaysia
3. Evidence Act 1950 (Act 56), including section 114A, AGC Laws of Malaysia
4. Office of the Chief Registrar, Federal Court of Malaysia (Judiciary portal)

Fact-checked on 17 Oct 2026