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Chong Chieng Jen – File photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (March 30): Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng’s proposal for third-generation Chinese Sarawakians to be given Bumiputera status is merely an adaptation of a State Legislative Assembly (DUN) debate speech from 2022, said Chong Chieng Jen.
The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman and Padungan assemblyman pointed out that his speech while debating the Interpretation Ordinance in DUN had included further expanding the definition of ‘Native’.
“I think he adapted my proposal in the previous DUN. When we debated the Interpretation Ordinance two or three years ago, the definition of ‘Native’ was expanded.
“We had proposed that third-generation non-natives be included, but our proposal was rejected. You can check back in the Hansard,” he told reporters after announcing the SPM 2025 Excellent Rewards here.
On Feb 14, 2022, Chong had said third generation Sarawakians of Chinese, Indian, or any other race not stated in the Schedule of the Interpretation Ordinance should also be considered as natives of Sarawak.
He said at the time that this was in line with the principle of inclusivity.
“The Chinese, Indian or other races, by the time they have reached the third generation, are as much native as any Sarawakian and therefore, there should not be any discrimination and distinction between one another,” he told a press conference then.
Sng had recently suggested the Sarawak government consider granting Bumiputera status to third-generation Sarawakians of Chinese descent.
He argued that families who have lived in Sarawak for generations should be recognised for their long-standing contributions to the state.
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Third generation S’wakian of any race are ‘natives’ too, says Chong on proposed amendment Bill
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