Proposal to grant Bumiputera status to third-gen Sarawakians up to Majlis Adat Istiadat, says deputy minister

Datuk Snowdan Lawan (file photo).

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, March 27: The proposal by Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng to grant Bumiputera status to third-generation Sarawakians is for the Council for Native Customs & Traditions Sarawak, or Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak, to consider.

Commenting on the suggestion, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan stressed that the matter involves constitutional considerations and that any decision rests with the council.

“Well, I think this depends on our Majlis Adat Istiadat. Let them decide whether it is a good proposal or not,” he told reporters after a press conference today. An audio recording of his remarks was later shared with DayakDaily.

Snowdan noted that Sarawak has already passed the Interpretation (Amendment) Ordinance 2022, enforced on November 1, 2023, which enables children from mixed marriages to be recognised as natives (Bumiputera) if either parent is a native.

He further said extending these provisions to third-generation Sarawakians would be a new matter requiring proper assessment and careful consideration under both State and federal laws, including safeguards provided by the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“This proposal could be something new. So let the Majlis Adat Istiadat look into it,” he added.

Snowdan stressed that while the proposal may be discussed, Sarawak remains protective of the rights of its indigenous communities.

“In Sarawak, we are protective of our rights, especially the Bumiputera, because we are the indigenous people,” he opined.

Yesterday (March 26), Sng uploaded a video clip of himself on the podcast show ‘The Tuak Talk’, suggesting that the Sarawak government consider granting Bumiputera status to third-generation non-Bumiputeras in the State.

He said Sarawakians who have contributed to the State and whose families have lived in Sarawak for at least three generations—about 100 years—should be given equal recognition as other Sarawak natives, adding that the proposal reportedly received no objections from members of the Malay and Dayak communities. — DayakDaily