By Amanda L
KUCHING, Mar 29: The existing framework concerning Bumiputera status in Sarawak is sufficient, says Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He elaborated the current framework has already been expanded in certain aspects, including land ownership rights, explaining that if one parent is a Sarawak native, their children are automatically eligible to own Native Customary Rights (NCR) land.
“Many are unaware of this. In my view, the existing provisions are already sufficient,” told reporters during his ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at a hotel here today.
He was responding to a recent suggestion by Julau MP Larry Sng, who allegedly proposed that third-generation Chinese in Sarawak be granted Bumiputera status.
Abdul Karim, who also serves as Sarawak Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, said any proposal to amend the definition of Bumiputera, including matters involving future generations, must go through the proper legal process and comply with established procedure.
He stressed that such matters are governed by existing provisions in the Federal Constitution, including those defining who qualifies as a native of Sabah and Sarawak.
“Any party may put forward proposals, but they must be done through the appropriate legal channels and in accordance with the law,” he said.
He added that some proposals tend to be rhetorical in nature, particularly in the lead-up to elections, when certain parties attempt to appeal to voters in their respective constituencies. — DayakDaily
