Cabinet allows use of English in official matters in Sabah, Sarawak – Ewon

PENAMPANG (Nov 20): The Cabinet has agreed to allow the use of English in official matters in Sabah and Sarawak, said Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick.

The Penampang Member of Parliament said the decision is in line with the constitutions of both states, which allow the use of English for official purposes.

“This (the use of English) will also include court proceedings and the State Legislative Assemblies of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said in a statement after launching the Be English Speakers Today (BEST) programme, here Monday.

Commenting on BEST, which is a collaboration between Yayasan Bank Rakyat and INDEP Education Foundation, Ewon said such programmes can cultivate the use of English among the young generations in addition to using the national and native languages.

“Students are encouraged to master at least three languages, namely, the mother tongue, the national language, and the main international language. Mastering the national language is a must for all Malaysians, apart from other international languages, including English, Mandarin, Arabic, or other main languages of the world,” he said.

The BEST will benefit over 390 students from six selected states in Sabah, who will learn to master the English language. – Bernama