Mixed-race S’wakians must apply for native status

PETALING JAYA – As Sarawak moves to grant native status recognition for children of mixed parentage, the process will not be automatic.

It was reported earlier that from November 1, those born to either one parent being a Sarawak native (Bumiputera or Pribumi) will be recognised as a native and can own native land.

This is as the Interpretation (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 comes into force this November 1, as reported by The Borneo Post.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Office Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said that with the amendment, those who fall under this category would still have to apply to the Native Courts of Sarawak before they are granted recognition as natives.

The application can be made at any district office for a fee of RM100.

A panel would be formed to evaluate the applications, led by Sarawak secretary Abu Bakar Marzuki.

Sharifah Hasidah said that the native status had never been automatically granted to children of intermarriage between a Sarawak native and a non-native.

Among the conditions that must be met is that the person is a Malaysian born to a person of a race indigenous to Sarawak and one of their parents must be a native.

The amendment will see an additional 12 races included – Vaie, Tring, Sa’ban, Narom, Jatti Miriek, Lakiput, Dali, Berawan, Bemali, Bakong and Bagatan. – The Vibes, September 20, 2023