Sarawak’s Unique Language Status: English and Bahasa Melayu Side by Side

Did you know? 🇲🇾
Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia where English legally remains a co-official language alongside Bahasa Melayu.

📌 The “Borneo Exception”

Under Article 152 of the Federal Constitution, Bahasa Melayu is recognised as the National Language. The National Language Act 1963/1967 further strengthens its role in official government matters.

However, under Article 161, Sabah and Sarawak are given special constitutional safeguards that protect the continued use of English and native languages in official matters.

📖 What Article 161 means for Sarawak
It states that any law aiming to restrict or end the use of English cannot be applied in Sarawak unless it has been approved by the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.

So far, Sarawak has never passed any law adopting the full implementation of the National Language Act 1963/1967 in a way that removes English from official use.

📍 What about Sabah?
Sabah took a different path. In 1973, the Sabah State Legislative Assembly passed the National Language (Application) Enactment 1973, which limited the use of English in official matters.

🌿 Why Sarawak is unique
Because of this constitutional position and state-level decisions, Sarawak remains the only state in Malaysia where English continues to be used alongside Bahasa Melayu in official contexts.

A unique part of Malaysia’s legal and cultural landscape 🇲🇾

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