by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 26: Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng has expressed hope that Sarawakians of Chinese descent could be granted Bumiputera status, given their deep-rooted ties to the State, with family histories stretching back over 150 years.
In a Facebook post, he said: “In view of Sarawak’s uniqueness in racial composition, religious diversity and autonomy in certain areas, by being a region and not a state, perhaps the State’s leaders should consider granting Bumiputra status to Sarawakians of Chinese descent.
“Many of whom have family ancestry dating back as far as 150 years.
“The overwhelming majority were born in this country and have served, fought, sacrificed and contributed immensely to the economic well-being of the State.”
He said this following the granting of Bumiputera status for one of his staff who is of mixed parentage (Chinese-Orang Ulu).
He viewed this as a positive development for many Sarawakian who are of mixed parentage, who were previously unable to inherit native land from their mothers and had to miss out on many benefits and job opportunities despite many being poor.
“Some families in the past chose to register their children under the mother’s name so as to overcome this issue, and in doing so, losing the father’s heritage. I am glad that we can put this chapter behind us,” he added.
On that note, he hoped that the State government would consider granting Bumiputera status to Sarawakians of Chinese descent and legislate into law for the benefit of the State and all its people.– DayakDaily
