The Sarawak government has been asked to reconsider its decision to adopt English as the official language of the state to safeguard unity between the Peninsula and East Malaysia.

Social and Cultural Affairs Adviser to the Government, Rais Yatim said the state government's move could sow seeds of discord among the people.

"Isn't this a disintegration and will it not cause a split in the society? So, in terms of nationhood, I am not in favour of the state government's stand," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after launching the Kelantan districts symphony album at the state broadcasting department in Kota Baru.

Rais was commenting on a recent announcement by Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem that the state had adopted English, along with Bahasa Malaysia as the preferred official languages of the state administration.

Elaborating, Rais said the matter should be debated by a consensus before being announced by Adenan because it also involved the federal constitution.

- Bernama