DUN Sarawak: Don't describe Bumiputera's 30 percent contractor policy as racial discrimination

KUCHING, Oct 15: Sarawak DAP Chairman Chong Chieng Jen's allegation that a proposal to give Bumiputera contractors 30 percent of the opportunity is racial discrimination could lead to misunderstandings and disrupt inter-racial relations in Sarawak.

The Chief Political Secretary to the Prime Minister of Sarawak, Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said that economic empowerment policy should be evaluated based on its objective to expand economic participation and strengthen Bumiputera contractor capacity.

He described the allegations that Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had pursued a race-based policy under the proposal as irresponsible.

"What Chong Chieng Jen failed to understand was that the people of Sarawak understood the fundamental difference between policies that discriminate against other societies with policies aimed at expanding economic participation and strengthening Bumiputera's contractor capacity.

"Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera contractors have been working together for decades and they jointly develop and contribute to the development of Sarawak through the construction sector", he said while discussing the proposal brought by Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin regarding action against ADUN Padungan, Chong Chieng Jen at the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference, Today.

Member of the State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) Tupong explained that the debate on the policy should focus on ensuring its implementation benefits Sarawak, rather than provoking interracial confrontation.

He also supported the proposal while stressing that DUN Sarawak should continue to be a mature, fact-based and responsible discussion ground.