Another call for children of native, non-native parents recognised as natives
MIRI: Miri Kenyah Association has joined the chorus of calls for the Sarawak government to recognise children born of mixed marriages between a native parent and a non-native parent as native.
Its president Marcus Hugo Lejau said the state government must have the political will and courage to accord native status to these children, if at least one parent is a native.
Earlier this month, Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) secretary Libat Langub had called for such recognition.
“It is grossly unfair for the affected children to be deprived of their birth rights and to be accorded their rightful identity as natives of Sarawak,” he told The Borneo Post.
Giving them the recognition, he added, should take precedence over any consideration of impacts or implications on the demographic composition of Sarawak as their birth right to be accorded such status
should override any other considerations.
“We have enough laws to take care of any negative consequences,” he said.
He added that denying these children their rightful status would deprive them of many privileges such as inheritance of land, scholarships, educational and business opportunities quotas, community leadership, and all other rights and privileges reserved for the natives under the constitution.
Marcus, who is also DAP Baram chief, said the harmonious coexistence among its multiracial population has encouraged inter-marriages.
As such, he added, the Sarawak government should expeditiously resolve the dilemma faced by these children by taking all necessary steps, including reviewing the state constitution and other related laws.
He said it was unacceptable that these children had to remain confused with their identity, whereas they should be allowed to enjoy all the rights and privileges accorded to the natives of Sarawak.
Other associations such as Sarawak Sino-Dayak Association, Rurum Kelabit Sarawak, Saban Miri Sarawak and Sarawak Eurasian Association had also voiced their support for children of mixed marriage between native and non-native parents to be recognised as natives.
Last week, Selangau MP and Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian also voiced similar support, saying the matter would be accorded priority by his party, Parti Bersatu Sarawak (PSB).