KUCHING: The Sarawak Federal Secretary’s Office still accepts official letters from any party, including the people of Sarawak, even if they are written in English.
This approach is consistent with the federal government’s recognition of Sarawak’s rights to use both languages, Bahasa Melayu and English, as stipulated in the Federal Constitution.
“We will accept letters written in either language and make an effort to handle letters written in other languages by obtaining appropriate translations. This understanding is in line with the privileges and rights between the Federation and Sarawak,” Sarawak Federal Secretary Datuk Ahmad Nadzri stressed.
He told the media this after attending the launching ceremony of the Fire and Rescue Department’s (Bomba) Northeast Monsoon Preparedness programme, which was also attended by Sarawak Bomba director Datuk Khirudin Drahman, at the Sarawak Bomba headquarters here on Wednesday (Nov 1).
Ahmad Nadzri’s statement follows a previous directive by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stating that government departments should not entertain letters sent in any language other than Bahasa Melayu and must return such letters if the directive is not followed, whether from the private or government sector.
Ahmad Nadzri explained that the situation in Peninsular Malaysia differs from Sarawak, and federal department heads should act in accordance with the instructions given by the Prime Minister.
The government and its agencies have the capability to obtain appropriate translation services to facilitate communication with diverse linguistic communities.
“The use of other languages in official letters sent to departments will not be a problem. Write in any language that is suitable for the community because we cannot force them to write in the Malay language.
“For example, the Chinese community can write in the language they are comfortable with, and the government or government agencies have the ability to obtain suitable translation services,” he said.
