Poser over students’ status as Bumiputera during intake

KUCHING: A circular was issued in 2009 by the former Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Sidek Hassan regarding the intake of Sarawak and Sabah students from mixed parentage into any Bumiputera higher learning institution.

The circular stated that for both eastern states, a student whose parents are Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera will only be recognised as a ' Bumiputera' administratively to enable their enrolment in any Bumiputera higher learning institution as well as in applying for study loans or scholarships.

"This is a reminder to each agencies concerned as we have noted that problems will constantly arise during the new term intake," said Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Fatimah Abdullah at a press conference in her office yesterday.

The administrative recognition for a Bumiputera status to be given to students from Sarawak and Sabah, she added, is due to the Malaysian law whereby both parents must hold Bumiputera status to be recognised as a Bumiputera.

She hoped that no such cases would arise during the next intake as it would cause excellent students in Sarawak and Sabah to miss out on their education opportunities.

Meanwhile, Fatimah also disclosed that an individual could apply for Bumiputera status at the Bumiputera Court in Kota Samarahan.

"Application can be made despite the lengthy process," said Fatimah, who is also Dalat assemblywoman.

Among those present at the press conference were Assistant Minister of Law, State-Federal Relations and Project Monitoring Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, Assistant Minister of Native Laws and Customs Datuk John Sikie Tayai and Sarawak Native Customs Council head Datu Ganie Ugay.