Sarawak Speaker challenges Julau MP to table Bumiputera proposal in Parliament and test support

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 9: Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar has challenged Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng Wei Shien to bring his proposal on extending Bumiputera status to third-generation Sarawak Chinese to Parliament.

Asfia said the matter should be tested at federal level to determine the level of backing it could command.

“He can table this convoluted logic in the Dewan Rakyat as a litmus test and prove how much support the motion could garner,” he said in a press conference held at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters in Jalan Bako here today.

He said the foundation of Malaysia’s constitutional framework has long recognised the special rights of Malays and Bumiputeras, as reflected in Article 153 of the Federal Constitution and Article 39 of the Sarawak Constitution.

“Any change requires a two-thirds majority in the Federal Parliament,” he said, pointing to Articles 153, 161A and 161E of the Federal Constitution as key safeguards protecting Malay and Bumiputera rights.

He said amendments affecting those provisions would also require the consent of the Conference of Rulers and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, whose constitutional duty includes safeguarding the position of Malays and natives of Sabah and Sarawak.

While acknowledging that Sarawak Bumiputeras are generally non-racial and maintain close ties with Chinese leaders, Asfia stressed that political goodwill does not override constitutional realities.

He named several Sarawak Chinese leaders who continue to receive strong Bumiputera backing, including Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

However, Asfia cautioned that what may resonate in a predominantly Iban constituency like Julau could prove politically explosive at the national level.

“Does the MP for Julau bring up the Bumiputera status for third-generation Chinese because he is seduced by his success in his constituency only to find it politically toxic in national Parliament?” he questioned.

He further described any attempt to amend Bumiputera provisions without securing the necessary parliamentary majority and royal consent as an “exercise in futility and nullity”. — DayakDaily