PBS also warned the Warisan-led state government against using state laws to its political advantage.
“We demand that the Warisan government run a referendum to obtain the views of all Sabahans. It must not simply distort or bulldoze the rights and protective laws meant for Sabah natives and the Sabah people at large,” said PBS president Maximus Ongkili.
Law and Native Affairs Minister Aidi Moktar earlier said the state was considering including the two communities under the Sabah native definition.
But Ongkili said the move was insensitive and would not sit well with Sabahans.
“We in PBS suspect there is a grand design to distort the Sabah political landscape and cause racial imbalance for their political purpose,” he said.
“If the Warisan government insists on bulldozing its proposed law changes and distortion, there must be extensive consultation with all parties at the grassroots level,” he added.
Ongkili, who is the Kota Marudu MP, said while he respects the Bugis and Javanese communities, they are not natives of Sabah.
He said historical documents going back to the then Chartered Company government prove that the Bugis and Javanese communities were not natives of North Borneo.
“They are migrants from other parts of Borneo and the Indonesian archipelago,” he said.
Former Sabah Umno chief Hajiji Noor agreed with Ongkili.
He said the term “native” is a very special status for the indigenous Bumiputera people of Sabah, adding that it is the only special privilege given to them.
“To give recognition to other races as natives is a serious and sensitive matter.
“If this is implemented, it will definitely erode the rights of Sabah natives. The Warisan government is reminded not to rush in doing this,” he said, adding that while all natives in Sabah are considered Bumiputera, not all Bumiputera are natives.
He said it was possible Aidi was confused between “Bumiputera” and “anak negeri”, or natives.
“Anak negeri or natives are those who are indigenous to North Borneo. In a national context they are also bumiputeras under our Constitution.
“But a Malaysian Bumiputera does not necessarily qualify as a native of Sabah. Malays from Malaya and Sarawak are not recognised as natives of Sabah unless one of their parents is a native of Sabah.
“The Bugis are indigenous people of Sulawesi while the Javanese are indigenous people of Java. If they are not indigenous people of Sabah/North Borneo, they can’t qualify to be natives within the definition of the Native Ordinance,” he explained.
Hajiji said while they can claim themselves as natives under Section 2(1)(d) Intepretation (Definition of Native) Ordinance (Sabah Cap 64), Section 2(3) requires them to apply for recognition as a native at the Native Court by complying with a set of conditions.