KUCHING: Any move to grant Bumiputera status to third-generation Sarawak Chinese would face major constitutional barriers, including royal consent and a two-thirds parliamentary majority.
Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar said the position and privileges of Malays and Bumiputeras are firmly protected under the Federal Constitution and state laws.
He said the matter involves constitutional safeguards under Articles 153, 161A and 161E of the Federal Constitution.
“Where Malay and Bumiputera rights are involved, the consent and sanction of the Sultans and the Conference of Rulers must be obtained,” he told a press conference at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters here today (May 9).
Asfia was alluding to recent calls by Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng to consider Bumiputera status for third-generation Sarawak Chinese.
He said any amendment would require a two-thirds majority in Parliament, concurrence from the Yang di-Pertua Negeri for matters involving Sabah and Sarawak, as well as consultation with the Conference of Rulers.
Asfia also questioned whether the proposal could withstand scrutiny at the national level despite Larry’s political success in a predominantly Iban constituency.
“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 the national Parliament that may result in his decapitation?” he said.
At the same time, he stressed that Bumiputeras in Sarawak were not racist and had consistently supported Chinese leaders in both parliamentary and state elections.
He cited state leaders such as Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Datuk Sebastian Ting, Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, Wilfred Yap and Johnny Phang.
“In Sarawak many Chinese leaders have a rapport and intimate relationship with the Bumiputras who support them in both state and parliamentary elections,” he said.
He added that native status in Sarawak was further reinforced through executive control by the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri and the Majlis Adat Istiadat under the Native Courts Ordinance.
According to him, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong also held constitutional responsibility under Article 153 to safeguard the position of Malays and natives in Sarawak and Sabah.
