Rais, who is the government's Social and Cultural Affairs adviser, said such a move could sow discord among the people and affect unity between the Peninsular and East Malaysia.
As news of his statement hit social media, netizens said they were firmly behind Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem for making the bold move in adopting English as the official language of administration together with Bahasa Malaysia.
Many readers also expressed their support for Adenan in comments posted on an English news portal.
A reader, identified as Turvy said arguing a language policy to foster nationhood is what led to the decline in the country's education system.
Another reader identified as Cinaputra said: "In the private sector, if I speak, read and write only in Malay, I can't hope to get very far. However, if I am fluent in English, I may be able to climb pretty high up the ladder."
On the whole, netizens said mastering the English language was important in landing good jobs and helping the country to prosper economically as well.
Sarawak's Land Development Minister Tan Sri James Masing also criticised Rais for his comments.
On Tuesday, Masing said Rais had not done much to enhance national integration between Sarawak and the Peninsular during his time as the Minister of National Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage.
By Ashwin Kumar
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