KUCHING: Sarawak recognises Bahasa Malaysia as an official language, however, it also has the freedom to continue using English as an official medium of communication.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera (PBB) President Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak has the rights and option to use both English and Bahasa Malaysia as its official languages as stated in the Article 161(3) of Federal Constitution.
English proficiency, he said, was crucial for Sarawak digital and hydrogen economy.
“Besides, we are venturing into the carbon market, if we want to talk about it (carbon market) in overseas countries, how are we doing it well with Bahasa Malaysia,” he said.
The Premier of Sarawak was speaking at the opening of the PBB 15th Triennial General Meeting (TGM) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
“We are not against national policy but we have to be practical… And if people questioned about it – then, we have to show that we are (actually) exercising our rights under the Federal Constitution,” he said.
“That’s why our party’s convention is also a multilingual event – as our leaders and members can communicate in various languages,” he added.
