THE Sarawak government is still in the process of determining the appropriate criteria and mechanisms related to the Interpretation (Amendment) Ordinance 2022.
Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) Datuk John Sikie Tayai said this in response to an issue raised by John Ilus (GPS-Bukit Semuja) on applications to be known as a Sarawak native.
“The government is still in the process of determining the appropriate criteria and mechanisms for this purpose.
“On the number of applications to be known as Sarawak native made in 2016 that have not been approved, it is due to the implementation of the application freezing policy by the government from 2005 and it was only reopened in 2018,” he said.
Meanwhile, in response to an issue raised by Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Padungan) who asked the Sarawak government to ease the application process for foreign workers, he said the government was currently working on a transformation to strengthen the existing process.
“The government will constantly review each work process for applications for foreign workers so that it is relevant to the current situation and also ensure that foreign workers working in Sarawak, are high potential and quality workers.
“And the same time, take into account the priority of local workers and safeguarding the interests of the people of Sarawak.
“All this should be done without compromising the rights of Sarawak, so that the state’s rights remain intact and these will not be eroded at all cost,” he said.
