KUCHING, Oct 26: As Sarawak takes a global outlook, the use of English remains crucial, particularly in the realms of communication, trade, and commerce, according to Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
Snowdan added that English is also commonly used in Sarawakian society.
“It would be difficult to erase what has been practiced and embedded in our multi-ethnic and multi-lingual society by dictating to terminate it abruptly,” said Snowdan in a statement today.
He assured that despite Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s reminder to Federal government agencies not to entertain any letters not written in Malay, the Sarawak government will continue to communicate officially in English.
The assurance he said, was given by the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and in June 2022 as well as Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who said the State’s right to use English is protected under Article 161 [3] of the Federal Constitution, which is also in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Snowdan who is also Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) youth chief said Sarawak chooses to be exempted from this type of broad ruling.
Thus, he said, the existing practice of communicating in English shall be maintained. — DayakDaily
