KUCHING, SARAWAK — Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) expresses its firm and unequivocal opposition to any proposal or policy direction that facilitates “wealth-based migration” or “investment migration” into Sarawak through property acquisition by non-Sarawakians, particularly from Malaya.
Sarawak’s special immigration autonomy is not symbolic—it is a foundational safeguard agreed upon prior to the formation of Malaysia. Any dilution of immigration control, whether direct or indirect through property-linked residency pathways, represents a serious erosion of that protection. Such policies risk opening the floodgates to demographic shifts that Sarawak was explicitly granted the right to manage and regulate.
*Threat to Ethnic Balance and Religious Harmony*
Sarawak’s strength lies in its delicate and unique ethnic and religious balance. Policies that allow entry and long-term settlement based primarily on financial capacity rather than genuine integration risk undermining this balance. An influx driven by wealth rather than community ties or cultural understanding may strain social cohesion and threaten the long-standing harmony that defines Sarawak.
Sarawak has to control influx of people especially from war torn countries in Middle East -the Arabs to find sanctuary here. We don't want Banglas and Pakistanis to compete for employment and business here.
*Housing Inequality and Local Displacement*
Linking residency privileges to property ownership will inevitably distort the housing market. Developers, driven by profit, will prioritize high-end developments tailored to affluent external buyers. This creates a spillover effect across the property market, pushing prices upward at all levels.
The consequences are clear:
* Local Sarawakians will increasingly find themselves priced out of home ownership.
* Housing inequality will widen, with wealth concentration determining access to property.
* Communities may face gradual displacement as affordability declines.
This is not theoretical—it has happened elsewhere.
*Global Lessons Ignored*
Cities such as Vancouver and London have experienced severe housing crises fueled in part by property-driven migration and foreign investment. Skyrocketing prices, speculative ownership, and the hollowing out of local communities are well-documented outcomes.
Countries like Portugal and Greece, once proponents of “golden visa” schemes tied to property investment, have been forced to scale back or terminate such programs after witnessing:
* Escalating housing costs
* Local displacement
* Growing public backlash against inequality
Sarawak must not repeat these mistakes.
*Economic Distortion, Not Development*
While proponents argue that such policies attract investment, the reality is more complex. Property speculation does not equate to sustainable economic development. It inflates asset prices without necessarily creating meaningful employment, innovation, or long-term value for local communities.
An economy overly reliant on property inflows risks becoming unbalanced, prioritizing short-term gains over equitable growth.
*Erosion of Local Political Voice*
Unchecked migration tied to wealth accumulation carries long-term political implications. A demographic shift driven by non-local economic actors may dilute the political voice of Sarawakians, weakening local representation and undermining the principle of self-determination.
Sarawak’s future must be shaped by its ხალხ—not by capital inflows.
*Residency Must Not Be for Sale*
Permanent residency should never be commodified. It must be grounded in contribution, commitment, and integration into Sarawakian society—not the ability to purchase high-value assets.
When residency becomes linked to money, it sends a dangerous message: that belonging can be bought, rather than earned.
*PBK’s Position*
Parti Bumi Kenyalang calls for:
1. The strict preservation and enforcement of Sarawak’s immigration autonomy.
2. The rejection of any policy that links property ownership to residency rights.
3. A housing framework that prioritizes affordability and access for Sarawakians.
4. Transparent public consultation before any changes affecting demographic or economic structures are introduced.
Sarawak is not a commodity market—it is a homeland. Its future must not be traded for short-term financial gains at the expense of its people, identity, and stability.
*“Sarawak for Sarawakians” must remain more than a slogan—it must be a guiding principle.*
Voon Lee Shan