Report of The Inter-Governmental Committee, Malaysia/National language

by Commission of Enquiry in North Borneo and Sarawak Regarding Malaysian Federation

28. National Language

Malay should be the national language of the Federation of Malaysia but Article 152 should be modified in its application to the Borneo States so as to secure that:—

(a) for a period of ten years after Malaysia Day and thereafter until the State Legislature otherwise provides, the English language shall be an official language and may be used in the Legislative Assembly and for all other official purposes in the State, whether Federal or State purposes, including correspondence with Federal Ministries and Departments;

(b) for a period of ten years after Malaysia Day and thereafter until the Federal Parliament, otherwise provides, the English language may be used by the representatives of the Borneo States in both Houses of the Federal Parliament;

(c) for a period of ten years after Malaysia Day and thereafter until both the State Legislatures have otherwise provided, all proceedings in the supreme Court relating to cases arising in the Borneo States and all proceedings in the High Court of the Borneo States shall be in the English language (subject to the proviso regarding evidence in the existing Clause (4)); and

(d) until the State Legislature otherwise provides, all proceedings in subordinate Courts in the State, other than the taking of evidence, shall be in the English language.

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