Venue of NCR Land Forum changed to DBNA Multipurpose Hall

KUCHING: Joint organisers of the NCR Land Forum scheduled for this Saturday at 8am have changed its venue to DBNA Multipurpose Hall due to a surge in the number of participants.

The organisers had underestimated the interest in the forum but as the days drew closer to the event date, they received many last-minute requests.

“In view of the overwhelming response from our people to attend this NCR Land Forum, we had to make a fast and quick decision to change our venue from MHotel to DBNA Multipurpose Hall at Jalan Kumpang, Off Jalan Ong Tiang Swee in Kuching,” said spokesman Dr Charlie Dudang.

Charlie believed the number of participants will grow up to the last minute but said he may have to stop the registration soon so as to make it convenient for all early birds.

The forum is held following the Dec 20 Federal Court ruling that pemakai menoa and pulau galau are mere customs and practices and therefore have no force of law.

With the ruling, the Dayaks in general have suddenly realised that their customs had been trampled on and they were also about to lose large tracts of their land to the state.

Charlie, however, urged participants to come to the event in their professional capacity and not with political views.

He hoped no group would attempt to gain political mileage or score points from the issue, saying it would defeat the whole purpose of holding the event.

“I would like to remind participants that this event is purely the initiative of Dayak intellectuals and professionals. So leave all your hats behind. Please do not champion the issues in your political capacity,” he said.

Stating that the theme of the forum is ‘ Respect and Return Our Rights — NCR Land Dayak Rights!’, Charlie urged participants to come with ‘one heart, one voice as Dayaks’.