DAP man: Current long-term social visit pass policies ‘unjust’ for non-Sarawakians with Sarawakian children

Michael Kong (file pic)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 16: Michael Kong Feng Nian, special assistant to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, has urged the State government to reexamine its policies regarding long-term social visit passes for non-Sarawakians who are widowed but have children born in Sarawak.

According to Kong, the current situation is both unjust and detrimental to the social fabric of the state.

“Presently, non-Sarawakians can only remain in Sarawak (after their spouse passes) if they obtain an employment pass or a temporary work visit pass.

“Those aged 60 and above can apply for a long-term social visit pass under the elderly policy.

“However, what about those who are unable to apply for any of these passes?” he said in a statement.

Kong asserted that the existing policy forces non-Sarawakians to leave Sarawak, compelling their Sarawak-born children to follow them out of the State.

He said that as a result, Sarawakian children are unable to live in their homeland because their surviving parent is not allowed to stay permanently.

Furthermore, Kong highlighted the historical context where non-Sarawakians who moved to Sarawak and married Sarawakians were deemed to have a ‘Sarawak connection’ by the courts when determining their eligibility to practise law in the state.

“If these individuals are recognised as having a ‘Sarawak connection’, why are they still being marginalised and discriminated against following the unfortunate passing of their Sarawakian spouse?

“While the government is focused on attracting more businesses to Sarawak, it is crucial that our existing policies are updated to offer more protection and support to those who have contributed to Sarawak in various ways,” he added.

He asserted that these ‘outdated’ policies need to be revised to reflect the values of inclusivity and fairness.

Kong further called for the Sarawak government to extend the long-term social visit pass to non-Sarawakians who are widowed with Sarawakian children.

By doing so, he argued, the government would not only protect the rights of these families but also preserve the future of the Sarawakian community. — DayakDaily