(Kuching, 27th) Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin strongly criticized the Democratic Action Party (DAP) for proposing to redefine the term “native” to include third-generation Sarawakian Chinese, Indians, and other ethnicities. He believes this move may erode the constitutional status and protections of Sarawak natives.
In a statement issued today, Wilfred Yap pointed out that true equality should not come at the expense of rights constitutionally established for the natives.
"Although such a proposal may sound fair, it overlooks the importance of preserving the special constitutional status and cultural rights of Sarawak’s natives."
He said that as the assemblyman for Kota Sentosa, he serves Malays, Dayaks, Chinese, Indians, and other communities because “true leadership is about fairness, not divisive politics.”
He emphasized that real equality should ensure equal opportunities for all without weakening others’ inherited culture and identity.
“Sarawak’s strength has always come from diversity, not uniformity.”
Wilfred Yap highlighted that since DAP is a core member of the Pakatan Harapan-led federal government and holds several ministerial positions, they should fulfill promises at the national level rather than only voicing political slogans.
“If DAP sincerely believes that third-generation Chinese, Indian, and other Sarawakians should be recognized as natives or bumiputera, then it should push for this at the federal level, where they actually have the power.”
He criticized DAP for blaming the Sarawak government’s policies while failing to honor their own longstanding national commitments, calling this approach insincere.
Compared to DAP’s “political rhetoric,” Wilfred Yap emphasized that the GPS government implements social justice through concrete systems.
He cited, for example, the state public service’s fully-automated e-Recruitment system, which ensures “merit-based recruitment without political or racial interference.”
In addition, the GPS government has recognized the United Examination Certificate (UEC) from independent Chinese high schools as valid for state civil service job applications, while DAP, even when part of the federal Putrajaya government, failed to implement this nationwide.
“If DAP truly values educational equality and inclusiveness, they should fulfill their own promises at the national level first before lecturing others.”
Wilfred Yap also defended Sarawak’s financial status, stating that state revenue has increased from RM6 billion in 2016 to RM14.2 billion in 2024, thanks to sound governance, prudent financial management, and economic diversification.
He stressed that Sarawak retains one of the highest credit ratings (AAA) in Malaysia, with development funds reinvested into infrastructure, rural development, education, and healthcare.
He added that the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) and Petros (Sarawak Petroleum Company) demonstrate transparent and innovative financing models, enabling Sarawak to achieve sustainable growth without increasing the taxpayers’ burden.
“This is real accountability: visible progress, not forgotten promises.”
He concluded that Sarawak’s success lies in unity, with GPS’s development agenda being inclusive, pragmatic, and people-oriented.
Wilfred Yap stressed that politics that incite ethnic sentiment and divide voters have no place in Sarawak; what Sarawak needs are results, not slogans.
In a statement issued today, Wilfred Yap pointed out that true equality should not come at the expense of rights constitutionally established for the natives.
"Although such a proposal may sound fair, it overlooks the importance of preserving the special constitutional status and cultural rights of Sarawak’s natives."
He said that as the assemblyman for Kota Sentosa, he serves Malays, Dayaks, Chinese, Indians, and other communities because “true leadership is about fairness, not divisive politics.”
He emphasized that real equality should ensure equal opportunities for all without weakening others’ inherited culture and identity.
“Sarawak’s strength has always come from diversity, not uniformity.”
Wilfred Yap highlighted that since DAP is a core member of the Pakatan Harapan-led federal government and holds several ministerial positions, they should fulfill promises at the national level rather than only voicing political slogans.
“If DAP sincerely believes that third-generation Chinese, Indian, and other Sarawakians should be recognized as natives or bumiputera, then it should push for this at the federal level, where they actually have the power.”
He criticized DAP for blaming the Sarawak government’s policies while failing to honor their own longstanding national commitments, calling this approach insincere.
Compared to DAP’s “political rhetoric,” Wilfred Yap emphasized that the GPS government implements social justice through concrete systems.
He cited, for example, the state public service’s fully-automated e-Recruitment system, which ensures “merit-based recruitment without political or racial interference.”
In addition, the GPS government has recognized the United Examination Certificate (UEC) from independent Chinese high schools as valid for state civil service job applications, while DAP, even when part of the federal Putrajaya government, failed to implement this nationwide.
“If DAP truly values educational equality and inclusiveness, they should fulfill their own promises at the national level first before lecturing others.”
Wilfred Yap also defended Sarawak’s financial status, stating that state revenue has increased from RM6 billion in 2016 to RM14.2 billion in 2024, thanks to sound governance, prudent financial management, and economic diversification.
He stressed that Sarawak retains one of the highest credit ratings (AAA) in Malaysia, with development funds reinvested into infrastructure, rural development, education, and healthcare.
He added that the Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS) and Petros (Sarawak Petroleum Company) demonstrate transparent and innovative financing models, enabling Sarawak to achieve sustainable growth without increasing the taxpayers’ burden.
“This is real accountability: visible progress, not forgotten promises.”
He concluded that Sarawak’s success lies in unity, with GPS’s development agenda being inclusive, pragmatic, and people-oriented.
Wilfred Yap stressed that politics that incite ethnic sentiment and divide voters have no place in Sarawak; what Sarawak needs are results, not slogans.