Did You Know: 62 Years After Malaysia’s Formation, English is Still Sarawak’s Official Language? Here’s Why

Malaysia is famous globally for its cultural diversity and multiracial harmony. No state exemplifies this more than the East Malaysian state of Sarawak. Comprising of more than 40 sub-ethnic groups, all living in complete unison and harmony with each other.

Given that each of these sub-ethnics has its very own unique culture, lifestyle and language, you’d be really surprised to know of Sarawak’s official language.

Source: world of buzz

Yes, of course, like all other states in Malaysia, Bahasa Melayu is the state’s official language. However, did you know that English is still recognised by the Sarawak State Government as its official language?

Source: world of buzz

In fact, if you ever had the chance to observe the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seatings, you’d notice that it is conducted mainly in English and not in Bahasa Melayu like in Parliament and the rest of the Malaysian state’s DUNs. Furthermore, official letters of the state are also mostly written in English.

So why is Sarawak still using English as its official language? Here’s a breakdown of the reasons behind it:

Source: world of buzz

1. Sarawak has yet to recognise the National Language Act 1963/1967

Source: world of buzz

Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, Muhammad Qurtubi Kamruldzaman, a lawyer at the Kuala Lumpur-based law firm ADIL Legal, elaborated that the official language of Malaysia is prescribed by Article 152 of the Federal Constitution to be the Malay language or Bahasa Melayu. Moreover, the National Language Act 1963/1967 iterates Bahasa Melayu as the official language, requiring it to be used for official purposes.

However, Qurtubi asserted that there are exceptions to this for the use of English and native languages in Sabah and Sarawak, as stated in Article 161 of the Federal Constitution below:

Qurtubi elaborated that this exception has its roots in the ’18-point agreement’ covered by the provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Therefore, as per MA63, the Federal Constitution was amended to include Sabah and Sarawak’s special positions, allowing them to use English as their official language, as well as the native languages of the natives of Sabah and Sarawak in the Native Courts or for any native law and custom.

Notably, Article 161 stated that no act of Parliament terminating or restricting the use of the English language shall come into operation until the Act or its relevant provision has been approved by an enactment of the Legislature of that State.

Source: world of buzz

However, the Sarawak Legislative Assembly has NEVER introduced or approved any enactment recognising the National Language Act 1963/1967.

Therefore, English remains one of Sarawak’s official languages up to this day.

Moreover, Qurtubi noted that Article 26(8) of the Sarawak Constitution iterated that for a period of 10 years and thereafter until the Legislature by law otherwise provides, all proceedings in the Dewan may be in the English language and subject to the standing orders of the Dewan Undangan Negeri, members may use any native language in addressing the Dewan.

Source: world of buzz

As for Sarawak’s East Malaysian neighbour, Sabah, the Sabah Legislative Assembly had approved an enactment restricting the use of English through the National Language (Application) Enactment 1973.

This puts Sarawak in a unique position as the only region in Malaysia to still have English as one of its official languages.

2. English is a necessity in the state

Source: world of buzz

Beyond the legal aspects of things, the reason why English is still being used in official matters in Sarawak is that it has traditionally been so since James Brooke ruled the state.

Unlike the situation in most of the Peninsular states, barring the British Straits Settlements of Penang and Melaka, Sarawak was in total sovereign control of the whole state.

Source: world of buzz

Therefore, English was the language of the courts and daily official use during the time of the White Rajahs, up until Malaysia was formed.

As the locals are also used to this status quo, the use of English remains until today. Moreover, this makes it more practical and logical to have it as the official language, as stated by former Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

This was further reiterated by the current Sarawak Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari, who was quoted as saying,

“I will also pursue this policy so that English will remain an official language of the state,”

Hence, that is why English is still used as the official language of Sarawak. Interesting, right?

What do you think of this revelation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Also read: Bangi Public Library Adds Giant “Perpustakaan” Sign After M’sians Condemned Its English Signage