English Still Sarawak’s Official Language, PM’s Reminder to Use Bahasa Melayu Won’t Apply to State

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a speech in Cyberjaya reminded all government departments to reject any official letters not written in the official language, Bahasa Melayu.

Following the speech, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohd Abu Bakar Marzuki clarified that what the Prime Minister said doesn’t apply to the East Malaysia territory and that Sarawak civil service can still use English in official communications.

Sarawak state secretary, datuk amar mohd abu bakar marzuki.

Specifically, when contacted by The Borneo Post, Amar said that Sarawak will “not follow the reminder” by Anwar and clarified that what the Prime Minister said “does not apply in Sarawak”.

While the Sarawak State Secretary didn’t clarify why the state government departments and civil service are exempted from the reminder, it is believed that he is referring to how English is still Sarawak’s official language alongside Bahasa Melayu.

In fact, the matter has been clarified by the Sarawak State Government many times, most recently by the state’s Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee last month.

As reported by Dayak Daily, Annuar Rapaee stressed that the state will continue teaching Science and Mathematics in English and won’t revert to using Bahasa Melayu.

Meanwhile, in June last year, BERNAMA reported that Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari announced that the state’s civil service will continue using English officially alongside Bahasa Melayu.

Sarawak premier, tan sri abang johari

So, what do you guys think of the whole situation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Also read: PM Anwar Tells Govt Departments to Reject All Letters Not Written in Bahasa Melayu