PENAMPANG: Sabah and Sarawak can use English language for official matters, said Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.
He said that the federal cabinet's decision on the matter aligns with the constitutions of both states, which permit the use of the English language, including in proceedings in the courts and State Legislative Assemblies of Sabah and Sarawak.
He made these remarks when approached by reporters after launching the BEST Programme organised by Yayasan Bank Rakyat (YBR) and Yayasan Pendidikan INDEP (IEF) at SK Moyog, here, today.
"The national language must be mastered by all Malaysian citizens, in addition to international languages such as English, Mandarin, Arabic, or other major languages in the world.
"I attended a Ministers' meeting in Paris a few months ago, and many participated in their respective languages, but of course, when we can use international languages, it will be an advantage when in international gatherings," he said.
Ewon, who is also a Penampang member of parliament, said that the organisation of the BEST Programme (Be English Speakers Today) was in line with the government policy and decision.
He added the launch of BEST, which will be implemented until next year, can cultivate the use of the English language among children, in addition to the national language and mother tongue.
"This programme will benefit 390 students who will undergo learning according to the modules provided to strengthen the mastery of the English language among students in six selected districts, namely ten primary schools and two through non-governmental organisations," he said, adding that the program could be expanded to other districts especially in rural areas.
Present were the Yayasan Pendidikan INDEP chairman Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Yayasan Bank Rakyat chairman Datuk Philip Lasimbang, SK Moyog headmaster Anni Anthony.