Sarawak DAP demands GPS government recognise third-generation Chinese and Indians as native Sarawakians.
BINTULU: The Democratic Action Party (DAP) in Sarawak has intensified its campaign demanding that the state’s Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government extend native status to Chinese and Indian individuals born in Sarawak, including those from third-generation families.
The issue emerged as one of 13 resolutions presented during Sarawak DAP’s annual assembly, which concluded in Bintulu on Sunday evening.
The party emphasised that tens of thousands of Sarawak-born Chinese and Indians across multiple generations currently lack official recognition as native Sarawakians.
According to the party’s statement, despite being born, raised, and contributing significantly to Sarawak’s socioeconomic development, these communities remain excluded from benefits afforded to recognized natives.
Sarawak DAP announced plans to contest between 15 and 18 state seats in the upcoming Sarawak elections, anticipated by the end of next year.
The party positioned native status recognition as a central campaign issue, arguing that increased legislative representation is necessary to advocate effectively for all Sarawakians’ rights.
Beyond native status, the party outlined additional priorities including land rights reform, governance accountability regarding public fund utilisation, legislative checks and balances on GPS, and solutions to recurring flood problems statewide.
Under existing regulations, individuals classified as “Anak Sarawak” (Children of Sarawak) receive legal recognition as Sarawak natives, which confers several advantages including eligibility to own state land, property purchase discounts of up to 5% on landed properties, preferential treatment in business licensing procedures, and access to other state-specific benefits.
The party argues that birth on Sarawak soil should automatically qualify individuals for “Anak Sarawak” classification, regardless of ethnic background.
Community organisations, business associations, and political groups representing Chinese and Indian populations in Sarawak have consistently advocated for universal native status recognition for all Sarawak-born residents.
These efforts reflect broader discussions about identity, belonging, and equitable access to state resources in Malaysia’s largest state.
The upcoming state elections are expected to bring these long-standing community concerns to the forefront of political discourse, with opposition parties like DAP challenging the GPS coalition’s approach to native status policy.
