Govt abolishes 'other races' column in forms, documents

The 'other races' column in government forms and documents to refer to Sarawak bumiputera would be abolished from today.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who is also Home Minister said the move was approved by the Cabinet recently.

In this regard, a directive had also been issued to the National Registration Department director-general and state NRD director, he said.

"This is something that the people had been requesting through the state government and highlighted by Sarawak ministers in the Federal Cabinet," he said after officiating at the ninth 'Sejiwa Senada' programme at Dewan Suarah here, today.

Also present was Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

The abolishment of the term to represent ethnic groups in Sarawak in government forms was among the 53 principles and actions taken by Adenan in his role as Sarawak chief minister.

Commenting on the issue, Ahmad Zahid said Adenan's principles and actions were not empty promises but a manifesto and pledges which he had fulfilled even prior to the election.

"The support and backing for him should continue," he said.

Ahmad Zahid believed the cordial relations between the state government and Barisan Nasional members of parliament from Sarawak, and federal government would help to bring about more development to the 'Land of the Hornbills'.

"Sarawak is close to our (federal government's) heart. This is also history because most of the ministers (federal) under our present Prime Minister, are from Sarawak.

"I wish to congratulate Sarawak leaders for successfully raising the problems and issues faced by the people in Sarawak to the attention of the national leadership," he added.