Sarawak’s premier is likely to discuss the use of English with PM.
When Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visits Sarawak, the state government is expected to discuss the use of English as the state official language as well as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) promises.
Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Assistant Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Office, told news portal The Malaysian Insight that the meeting is also expected to take place soon, but gave no timeframe.
Their state constitution is unambiguous. They have neither an official language nor a religion. The federal government must adhere to the state constitution.
Sarawak has expressed concern about the growing influence of right-wing groups pushing the Malay agenda, including the use of Bahasa Melayu (BM) as the official language at all levels.
While Sarawak recognises BM as the national language, the state government has used English as its primary medium since 2015, citing Article 161 of the Federal Constitution, which gives Borneo states the freedom to choose their preferred languages for official communication.
Former federal minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was also quoted as saying last year that Sarawak has not passed any legislation to limit or eliminate the use of English as the state’s official language.
Abdullah, who heads the state government’s corporate affairs, information, and public communications unit, also stated that these are just a few of the issues that are part of Sarawak’s autonomous rights under MA63, and that failure to maintain them will not be tolerated.
“This includes disregard for the state’s constitution and rights,” he told the news site.
Last Thursday, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg announced that the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak coalition had agreed to form a unity government led by Anwar in accordance with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree.
