PSB to push for 'native status' of mixed-marriage children in Sarawak

 

The Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) will push for children born from mixed marriages between a Sarawak native and non-native to be granted a native status, according to its Ba'Kelalan assemblyperson Baru Bian.

The Selangau MP, in a statement, voiced support for an initial call by Rurum Kelabit Association president Datuk Dr Philip Raja and Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) secretary-general Libat Langub.

"For the benefit of all the offspring of mixed marriages in Sarawak, we (PSB) pledge in our Manifesto to protect their identity and rights by taking immediate steps to amend the definition of 'Natives' in the Federal and State Constitution and the Interpretation Ordinance to include any children of mixed marriages between natives and non-natives," Baru (above) said.

There are 28 indigenous groups recognised as natives under the Sarawak Interpretation Ordinance, reportedly making up over 70 per cent of the state population.

Baru said an insistence to deny the children of mixed marriages a native status would have a long-term impact on state demographics, as well as indigenous identities.

"I believe, as do all other natives of Sarawak, that all children of mixed marriages between natives and non-natives should be recognised as native.

"As Justice Ian Chin observed, if this is not done, many Sarawakians would lose their native status," said Baru, who quoted Chin's judgement from a 2001 case where he acted for the plaintiffs in a native customary rights land battle.

At the time, Baru represented Nor anak Nyawai and three others who reportedly won significant victories against Tatau Land Sdn Bhd, the Bintulu superintendent of the Land and Survey Department, and the state government of Sarawak.

He said the AG's Chambers had at the time contended, and subsequently withdrew their assertions, that the plaintiffs had to prove they were pure natives, and that none of their ancestors had married outside the races listed as natives.

"Eventually, there will be no natives left in Sarawak.

"Not only would this have serious implications on the demographics of Sarawak, but it would have deleterious effects on our people’s sense of identity, culture and heritage," he said.

The former Sarawak PKR chief said there were recent problems with the state Land and Survey Department which has made it more difficult for children of mixed native/non-native marriages to inherit native land.

"In the past, it was their practice that if the father is a native, then the children would be considered native, but that has changed now, for reasons best known to themselves and their policy-makers.

"This has serious implications for native customary land claimants," said Baru, now a member of the state opposition under Parti Sarawak Bersatu.

Baru added that a similar situation in Sabah was resolved with an additional Certificate from a Native Community Leader that could be obtained to grant children of mixed marriages a native status. - Mkini