By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Apr 21: The issue of Bumiputera status and related policy discussions should be handled at the federal level and not reduced to political rhetoric that may create misconceptions about Sarawak’s position, said Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim in response to recent remarks by Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng on proposals to extend Bumiputera status to third-generation non-natives and broader national policy considerations.
In a recent statement, Ahmad said the proposal to extend Bumiputera status to third-generation non-natives or other communities is not a minor matter, as it involves national policy direction, legal frameworks, and the country’s delicate social balance.
He stressed that such issues should not be politicised or framed in a way that distorts Sarawak’s stance or that of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), adding that any substantive changes to Bumiputera policy must be decided at the federal level.
“Sarawak has long demonstrated a pragmatic and inclusive approach to governance, citing historical administrative practices and the State’s long-standing management of diversity as part of its governance tradition,” he said.
He pointed to the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) in Sarawak during the tenure of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem as an example of the State’s inclusive policy approach, while noting that national-level recognition of the UEC remains unresolved and should likewise be addressed at federal level.
“As a member of Parliament, Larry has the platform and access to bring such matters forward. With his close working relationship with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, it would be more appropriate to focus on advancing these issues through federal policy channels,” he emphasised.
The senator added that Sarawak should not be treated as a testing ground for policy proposals that have yet to be resolved nationally, stressing that the State has consistently managed its diversity through stability, balance and responsibility.
He further said that if meaningful progress is achieved at federal level, including on UEC recognition and Bumiputera-related policy considerations, such efforts would deserve acknowledgement.
“Mature politics requires responsibility and results, not merely proposals,” he said, adding that Sarawak’s leadership will continue to uphold unity, stability and mutual respect in managing its diverse society. — DayakDaily
