Sng’s proposal on Bumi status for third-gen Chinese deserves serious consideration, says SUPP man

KUCHING (March 28): Any policy shift must be approached with serious and open-minded consideration before introduction and implementation, said Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP) Stakan branch chairman Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok.

He was commenting on Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng’s recent proposal for the state government to consider granting Bumiputera status to third-generation Chinese Sarawakians.

Sim noted that Sarawak has always taken pride in its unique multiracial harmony and mutual respect among diverse communities.

“Moving towards a more equal footing for all Sarawakians would further strengthen this foundation,” he told The Borneo Post here.

Sng had claimed that a recent survey found Sarawak’s Malay and Dayak communities had no objections to their non-Bumiputera counterparts receiving the same status and privileges.

On this, Sim remarked: “If the findings of this survey were accurate and reflective of the broader sentiment on the ground, then it deserves serious and open-minded consideration.

“It would create a fairer and more level playing field, reducing any lingering sense of superiority or inferiority that may exist due to race-based classifications.”

Sim added that such an approach would allow government policies to focus increasingly on merit, capability, and genuine need, rather than racial categorisation.

Such a shift is not about diminishing any community’s rights, but about uplifting all Sarawakians collectively, he added.

“Sarawak is a resource-rich state with ample opportunities to be shared among its people. By fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, we can better retain our talents, reduce brain drain, and build a stronger, more competitive economy for the future.

“Ultimately, unity in diversity has always been Sarawak’s strength. Any step that reinforces inclusivity, fairness and shared prosperity should be carefully considered in that spirit,” he said.

Sng, who is also the Parti Bangsa Malaysia president, said on a recent episode of The Tuak Talk online show that the survey followed his suggestion last March that Sarawak’s Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera communities should be on equal footing.

He stressed that the Chinese community should qualify for Bumiputera status as long as they are third-generation Sarawakians.

Many have served, sacrificed, and contributed significantly to Sarawak’s economic development and are committed to the state for the long term, Sng added.