Kuching: The Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sarawak has expressed regret over the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party’s (SUPP) opposition to the proposal to recognise the third generation of non-natives born in Sarawak as “natives”.
DAPSY Sarawak Secretary George Lam said it was regrettable that SUPP, as the only Chinese-based party in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), was the first to reject what he described as a fair and inclusive initiative.
“This clearly shows that they are willing to sacrifice the long-term interests of the Chinese and non-native communities just to stay in power, and their actions have once again disappointed the very people they claim to represent,” he said in a statement.
Lam pointed out that this was not the first time the DAP Sarawak had raised the matter, where the Chairman Chong Chieng Jen had first proposed the idea during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) debate in 2022, but it was rejected by SUPP’s Meradong assemblyman, Ding Kuong Hii.
“At that time, SUPP leaders claimed to represent all Chinese generations in opposing it. Now, SUPP Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has again shown the same resistance, proving that SUPP has no real interest in pursuing equality for our community,” Lam said.
He said that a truly moderate and progressive Sarawak should implement policies that are fair to all races, allowing every Sarawakian to benefit equally, free from racial labels and divisions.
“That is the only way to achieve genuine racial harmony – not through empty slogans. Therefore, I urge the Sarawak Government to show true inclusiveness by tabling an amendment in the DUN to officially recognise the third generation and beyond of non-natives born in Sarawak as part of the “native” group.
“Only through fair and inclusive policies can we build a Sarawak that is truly equal, united, and harmonious for all,” he said.
Lam added that the resolution passed during DAP Sarawak’s recent Annual Convention was meant to encourage the Sarawak Government to adopt more inclusive policies, ensuring that every Sarawakian, regardless of ethnicity, receives equal treatment under state policies.
“The reality is clear: while the state government often portrays itself as progressive and open-minded, protectionist policies remain very much intact.
“From native reserve lands, to projects reserved only for Bumiputera companies, and housing development quotas that prioritise Bumiputeras – these are all forms of structural inequality. How can we talk about ‘equal development” when the system itself remains unequal?” he asked.
