Consider granting Chinese descendants the native status, suggests Julau MP to Sarawakl government

 By Simon Peter

KUCHING, March 26, 2025: A government back-bencher has suggested to the Sarawak government to consider granting native status to descendants of Chinese migrants who came to Sarawak for over 150 years ago.

Unlike the Syrians who migrated to Sarawak and became Melanaus over night, and have since packed up their belongings and have left Sarawak, at least we know the descendants of Chinese migrants are staying put in Sarawak for the long term - Larry Sng

Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng said the majority of the descendants were born in this country and have served, fought, sacrificed and contributed immensely to the economic well being of the state.

He said the descendants should be granted the native status in view of  the state’s uniqueness in terms of racial composition and religious  diversity of its population and autonomy in certain areas.

“Unlike the Syrians who migrated to Sarawak and became Melanaus over night, and have since packed up their belongings and have left Sarawak, at least we know the descendants of Chinese migrants are staying put in Sarawak for the long term,” Sng, who is also Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) president, said in a statement, in an indirect reference to Raghad Waleed Alkurdi and her two sons who became Melanaus after she married former Governor  the lateTun Abdul Taib Mahmud.

“This (granting the descendants the native status) is something I hope the state government would consider and legislate into law for the benefit of the state and all its people,” he added.

Sng said he is grateful that one of his staff members, a Sarawakian of Chinese and Orang Ulu parentage, has finally received her Bumiputera status, after 48 years.

“This is great news for many Sarawakians 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,” he said.

He added 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.

(Updated): Voon expresses disgusted at unwarranted harassment against non-Muslim Sarawakian by unknown man

 

 By Gedong Express reporter

KUCHING, Marchy 22, 2025: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan today expressed his disgust at the unwarranted action of an unknown man who physically harassed a non-Muslim Sarawakian student for not fasting during Ramadan in Johor recently.

He said such an harassment against a non-Muslim is horrible.

“It was just lucky that the student was not seriously injured. He should be provided with a legal counsel by the Sarawak government to protect his interest and to ensure the suspect be brought to justice,” Voon (picture) said in a statement.

“We should not tolerate such a situation against Sarawakians in a foreign land. Their safety in this foreign land is a responsibility of the Sarawak government,” the senior lawyer said.

He added from the video, it seemed that the suspect not only challenged the student but the police, noting that the suspect heard saying “saya tidak kisah panggil polis”.

He said the Sarawak government should, if not have done yet, make a representation to the federal Attorney – General Chambers to press for an early trial against the accused.

“This is to ensure that the student who was being assaulted or harassed would not have his studies distracted by delayed trial,” he said.

He also the Sarawak government to send a strong message to “outsiders” not to bully any Sarawakian working or studying in Malaya.

He said this is not about politics, but dignity and safety and rights of every Sarawakian.

“It is estimated that there are about 400,000 Sarawakians working and studying in Malaya and in Singapore,” he said, adding that in Johor alone, there could be over 100,000 Sarawakians living or working there.

He said Sarawakians have enough about a “cawat” issue by a Malayan leader some years ago and definitely, “we should not keep a blind eye about things like the incident in Johor.

“This is also to tell outsiders that Sarawakians in foreign land who are working or studying outside Sarawak have a caring government who will fight for their rights and whom they can fall back when facing problems.  

The man, identified as 65-year retiree Abdul Razak Ismail, was later charged in Johor Bahru’s magistrate’s court where he pleaded not guilty on March 19, 2025.

He was charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt to 21-year-old Elijah Ling Zhao Zhong.

Abdul Razak allegedly committed the offence at a mall in Tampoi at about 6.15pm on March 16.

If convicted, he faces a maximum one-year jail term, a fine of up to RM2,000 , or both upon conviction.

He was represented by lawyer Salleh Togimin, while Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Afiqah Musa prosecuted.

 

Soon Koh: Let's rally behind Abang Jo. beware of outside forces seeking to enter Sarawak

 

An open letter to all Sarawakians

From PDP senior vice president Datuk Sri Wong Soon Koh

Sarawakians, our future is at a crossroads.

Sarawak faces a defining and a daunting moment. Political forces from outside are actively seeking to expand their influence in our state, testing our unity and resolve.

This is more than just a political contest—this is about ensuring that Sarawak remains in the hands of Sarawakians, free from external agendas that do not align with our long-term interests.

While discussions on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) continue, and while details of Petros-Petronas collaboration are still under discussion, it is clear that our strength at the negotiating table depends on our unity.

A divided Sarawak weakens our position, making us more vulnerable to external pressures. Only by standing together can we ensure a better future for Sarawak and its people.

At the forefront of this effort is Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri  Abang Johari  Openg, a leader with vision, courage, resilience, and a deep sense of commitment and dedication to Sarawak’s progress.

He has been relentless in his mission to advance Sarawak’s interests. His leadership has already brought great benefits, and his efforts have resulted in major victories boosting Sarawak’s economy and strengthening our autonomy.

As soon as he assumed leadership, he created in 2017 Petros (Petroleum Sarawak Berhad) to regulate and participate in the industry reducing Petronas’ dominance.

The premier imposed 5% sales tax on petroleum products, forcing Petronas to comply after a court battle, securing billions in revenue for Sarawak.

He also enforced Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958 requiring all oil and gas operators to obtain state approval.

In 2021, he successfully fought for amendments to the Federal Constitution to officially recognize Sarawak and Sabah as equal partners to Malaya in Malaysia.

Article 1(2) was amended to reaffirm Sarawak’s status as a region , not just one of the 13 states. Article 160(2) was also amended to define federation based on MA63 rather than the 1957 Malayan Federation.

The premier is now pushing for greater autonomy in oil and gas agreements. He also initiated negotiations for autonomous powers in health care, education, infrastructure and environmental policies in the spirit of MA63.

All in all, he is working hard towards more devolution and decentralization of powers aligning MA63.

Yet,  new challenges lie ahead. Malayan political parties are making strategic moves to gain a foothold in Sarawak.

This is not simply about political expansion—it is an attempt to shift our political landscape, potentially bringing instability and uncertainty to our state.

We cannot allow this to happen!

Now is the time for Sarawakians to stand together. We must strengthen our resolve, support our leaders, and send a clear message: Sarawak’s political future should be shaped by Sarawakians, not by external forces with their own agendas.

This is the moment to put aside differences and focus on what truly matters—keeping Sarawak strong and independent in its decision-making.

We cannot afford to be divided. We must remain vigilant against those who seek to undermine our unity for their own political gain.

We have seen what happens when Malayan parties are given a chance. Even today, some of our parliamentary seats remain under their control.

But what have they done for us? Where is the 20% oil royalty they once promised? Have they prioritized our people, or have they merely used their positions to serve party agendas from outside our state?

The reality is clear—only the premier and GPS have consistently championed Sarawak’s development and progress.

Under Abang Johari Openg’s leadership, Sarawak has secured new opportunities, strengthened its economy, and positioned itself as a leader in regional development.

His indispensable leadership is our asset that must not be undermined. With him at the helm, Sarawak is on the right track—but we must stand with him  resolutely to ensure continued stability and growth and at the same continue to pursue Sarawak rights under MA 63, working to restore the State’s autonomy.

Sarawakians, the future is in our hands.

Say NO to outside interference. Say NO to Malayan political parties. Say YES to GPS.  Say YES to our YAB Premier. YES to a strong and united Sarawak.

Let us stand firm, let us unite, and just like a family use the combined resources and spirit to overcome all challenges, the peoples of Sarawak should all strive for common goals to achieve common good.

All peoples of Sarawak should join hands together resolutely to strive for shared vision and common destiny ,United and strong.

The choice before us is therefore clear but daunting- to unite or suffer the consequences of disunity.

Together and working steadfastly together, we will ensure that Sarawak’s destiny remains in Sarawakian hands.