Bumiputera contractor quota aims to broaden economic participation

KUCHING: The 30 per cent opportunity allocation for Bumiputera contractors is aimed at broadening economic participation and strengthening their capabilities, rather than discriminating against other communities, said Tupong assemblyman, Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.

He was responding to allegations by the Padungan assemblyman that the policy adopted by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was racially biased.

“He is blatantly attacking Bumiputera contractors. He appears to be desperately trying to fish for votes from the Chinese community.

“However, he fails to recognise that the people of Sarawak understand the fundamental difference between a policy that discriminates against other communities and one that seeks to broaden economic participation and strengthen the capabilities of Bumiputera contractors

“Both Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera contractors in Sarawak have been working together and contributing to the state’s development through the construction sector,” he said when debating the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today.

Fazzrudin also criticised the Padungan assemblyman for what he described as irresponsible tactics aimed at tarnishing the image of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

He said elected representatives were entitled to seek clarification on government policies and decisions, but there was a distinction between asking questions and making allegations as though the conclusions had already been proven.

On the issue of aircraft procurement, Fazzrudin said the asking price of an aircraft should not be compared directly with the aggregate payments under a multi-year aviation lease and the difference automatically labelled a loss.

“If we purchase the aircraft, the cost of maintenance and repairs would probably be our sole responsibility. Then, we would need to employ specialist engineers.

“Do we have engineers with the necessary expertise for that particular aircraft? I am sure these are some of the questions and points that need to be considered,” he said.

Fazzrudin also highlighted the GPS government’s long-term planning through the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund, which he said was intended to preserve and invest part of the state’s wealth for future generations.

He said a responsible government should not focus solely on the needs of the current population but also ensure that future generations of Sarawakians could benefit from the state’s resources.

“These are among the actions and achievements of the GPS leadership. Just as in our daily lives, not everyone is happy to see us succeed.

“There will always be irresponsible parties who want to see us fail by portraying us as incapable and lacking integrity,” he said.