Issue on the awarding of "Bumiputera" status brought up by our local Member of Parliament (MP)

The local social media fraternity was a buzz with comments and so called debate on the awarding of Bumiputera status which was brought up by a Member of Parliament (MP) from Sarawak itself which I had rebutted simply because there is no need to unnecessarily prolong the issue.

Such matter cannot be determined through public pressure or casual suggestions and any move to alter the definition of Bumiputera or native status in Sarawak must follow proper legal and constitutional process when there are clear provisions are already in place.

If you want to change these things, there are procedures. I know some people are saying third generation and all that, but we need to see what defines Bumiputera under the Federal Constitution. Sometimes I feel these kinds of proposals are just rhetoric. Maybe elections are coming, so perhaps representatives want to make such suggestions because their constituencies have more Bumiputera voters.

I have stressed to our media friends that while suggestions can be made, the current framework already provides broad recognition of native status, particularly in cases of mixed marriages. The Sarawak Constitution had also outlined on who qualifies as natives of Sabah and Sarawak.. Where one spouse is a native of Sabah or Sarawak, their child is eligible to acquire native status and related rights, including land ownership. Many may not realise and that already is very good enough.

My remarks were in response to Julau's MP, Datuk Larry Sng who had suggested for our Sarawak government consider granting Bumiputera status to third-generation Sarawakians of Chinese descent.The proposal recently sparked debate over the social media platform after Sng argued that families who have lived in Sarawak for generations be recognised for their long-standing contributions to the state. The MP had also cited the Interpretation (Amendment) Ordinance 2022, which allows children of mixed marriages to claim native status if one parent is native.

Proposed allocation of Sarawak's new state assembly seats circulating on social media fraternity

The social media fraternity was abuzz with rumours surrounding the proposed allocation of Sarawak’s 17 new state assembly seats which have yet to be approved by the relevant authorities and bodies in our country which may be the deliberate attempts by mischievous cyber troopers to create confusion and divert public attention. As the Information Chief of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), I was asked to comment on this matter but had politely dismissed claims that political parties had already secured the additional seats.

As I have mentioned to our media friends…suddenly, some people are saying, out of 17 seats, 10 are guaranteed for PBB, three for Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), and so on which I do not think PBB or SUPP has the authority to claim seats at this stage. There are no seats yet. I personally do not even know where the seats are.

During last year’s DUN Sitting in November, I was tasked to table the motion to increase the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats from 82 to 99, explained that the proposal still requires approval from our Parliament and the Election Commission (EC) before it can be finalised. After state assembly approval, it will be sent to Parliament for endorsement. Once approved, it becomes the EC’s responsibility to determine where the additional seats will be located.

I have called on the general public to be wary of misleading reports especially circulating on social media because perhaps these stories were released to create confusion) among us. We are still waiting for Parliament’s endorsement. Why should be stories about parties arguing over which seats they will get? It could be mischievous cyber troopers or even “actors” from Peninsular Malaysia trying to divert attention so that we quarrel instead of focusing on Parliament.

I have explained on the approval process of the proposed seats and also clarified that it must follow the legal procedures. Our state assembly has the power to propose state assembly seats…the EC can only determine the constituencies after going to the ground and displaying their proposals. The people have the right to decide.

For the record, the DUN motion received near-unanimous support, with only two Opposition members not backing it, and expressed confidence that Parliament would endorse the increase. Unless the Federal’s Minister of Law is unaware of the law, we do not have the authority to approve parliamentary seats. When I tabled the motion, it was only for the state to decide. Let the process go smoothly and Parliament will endorse it.

Rainforest Youth Summit 2026 to gather 1,700 participants from 37 countries

The organisers of this year’s international Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) to be held in Kuching City from June 24 to 26, are optimistic of bringing together 1,700 young participants from 37 countries to discuss climate action under the exciting theme entitled “Youth: Many Ways, One Planet." 

The three-day summit will feature over 50 speakers and representatives from over 80 organisations with the event is aimed to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices. The upcoming event is organised by our Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and will feature programmes, activities and discussions involving the youth participants.

The event was curated to reflect Sarawak's conviction and commitment on the important role of the younger generation of future leaders who must not be placed at the edge of sustainability conversations, but firmly at the centre of them. The event’s programme will also include keynote dialogues, youth-led labs and policy-focused sessions, with delegates also taking part in curated offsite excursions to Sarawak's protected rainforest sites and cultural hotspots.

The participants will be invited to join the opening day of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 (RWMF2026), highlighting the link between community, heritage and conservation. New to Rays 2026 is the Planet Futures Forum, a collaborative climate simulation allowing participants to experience the challenges of climate governance through scenario-based negotiation and systems thinking. The forum will culminate in a negotiated Rays Youth Declaration reflecting environmental, social and economic priorities.

The introduction of the “Rays Fellowship Programme” which is a new 12-month initiative, will extend the summit's impact by guiding 10–15 youth leaders in real-world climate governance and decision-making, incorporating indigenous and local knowledge into solutions. The organisers have open the registration for Rays 2026 with the “Early Bird” passes available until March 15 via the official summit website. The event is funded and organised by the Sarawak Government through Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and endorsed by ASEAN, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and UN Tourism.