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Snowdan fields questions from reporters at the press conference. – Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING (March 27): The proposal to grant Bumiputera status to third-generation Sarawakians of Chinese descent should be carefully studied by the relevant authorities, particularly the Council for Native Customs & Traditions Sarawak, said Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
Commenting on the proposal raised by Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng, Snowdan, who is the State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said the matter involves constitutional considerations and should be assessed by the appropriate bodies before any decision is made.
“Well, I think this depends on our Majlis Adat Istiadat. Let them decide whether it is a good proposal or not,” he told reporters when met after a press conference here on Friday.
He was asked to comment after Sng suggested during a video podcast that the Sarawak government should consider granting Bumiputera status to third-generation Sarawakians of Chinese descent.
Snowdan noted that Sarawak already has provisions recognising Bumiputera status in certain circumstances, particularly involving mixed parentage.
“For now, Sarawak already has a decision. For example, if the father is a Sarawakian Bumiputera and the mother is not, the child automatically becomes a Bumiputera. That is already provided for in our ordinance,” he said.
He added that the proposal involving third-generation Sarawakians could introduce a new dimension to the matter and would require proper consideration.
“So this could be something new, and the Adat Istiadat authorities can look into it,” he said.
Snowdan stressed that while the proposal may be discussed, Sarawak remains protective of the rights of its indigenous communities.
“Of course, there is nothing wrong with raising the issue of the third generation. But in Sarawak, we are protective of our rights, especially the Bumiputera, because we are the indigenous people,” he said.
At the same time, he said the matter must be examined from multiple legal perspectives, including both state and federal frameworks.
“Sometimes this is also a federal matter. It can be brought up, but the proposal must be guided by our constitutions — both the Sarawak Constitution and the Federal Constitution,” he said.
Snowdan also pointed out that the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) safeguards Sarawak’s rights and therefore any proposal affecting Bumiputera status must take these protections into account.
“We also have MA63 that protects us, so we must look at all these angles. That is very important,” he said.
Recently, Sng suggested during an appearance on the online programme, ‘The Tuak Talk’, that the Sarawak government should consider granting Bumiputera status to third-generation Sarawakians of Chinese descent.
The Parti Bangsa Malaysia president claimed that a survey conducted following his earlier proposal found that members of the Malay and Dayak communities had no objections to their non-Bumiputera counterparts enjoying the same status and privileges.
He said the Chinese community could qualify for Bumiputera status if they are third-generation Sarawakians, noting that many had served, sacrificed and contributed significantly to Sarawak’s development and economy.
Sng also pointed out that after nearly five decades, Sarawakians from mixed marriages between Natives and non-Natives are now allowed to claim Native status following the enforcement of the Interpretation (Amendment) Ordinance 2022.
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