Rally organisers urge govt to seriously look into land dispute cases

KUCHING: Following the peaceful rally held at Kuching Waterfront and Old Court House on Nov 13, the rally organisers are demanding that the government look into the land dispute cases and other issues affecting the state’s indigenous people.

According to one of the rally’s spokespersons, Peter John Jaban, over 400 land dispute cases are pending judgment in court.

He also said the cases affected all Sarawakians; including native indigenous people and the Chinese.

“Before this issue escalates into something unmanageable, we demand that the government look into the affairs of the indigenous people to reflect its sincerity and good governance. We hold no malice towards any people’s representatives who genuinely work for the people,” he told reporters yesterday.

He also said the indigenous people were not only facing land rights issues but also statelessness and religious problems.

As a member of nongovernmental organisations ( NGOs) dealing with indigenous people, Peter and his colleagues are actively involved in helping indigenous people resolve their identification documents and religious statements.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Dayak Iban Association ( Sadia) secretary-general Nicholas Mujah Ason who was also present at the press conference said the police deserve to be praised for their presence at the rally to maintain peace and order.

He said the police must be satisfied with the outcome of the rally as no untoward incidents was reported and all conditions were met.

“We would also like to thank everybody for supporting the rally; the volunteers and all committee members who worked extremely hard in ensuring the rally was a success.”

The peaceful rally was held with the aim to create greater awareness of the natives’ frustration over the alleged trampling of their native customary rights over land by the court, authorities and the developers.

Themed ‘Himpunan Hak Adat Bumiputera ( NCR Gathering)’ the rally was organised by Sadia with the support of various indigenous people-based NGOs, and monitored by international communities.

The rally organisers also hoped that the public would not issue meaningless and thoughtless threats to the state leaders.