NCR committee urged to also study ‘Tanah Bawang’ of Orang Ulu
LAWAS: The state government committee on native customary rights ( NCR) land should also study the ‘ Tanah Bawang’.
According to Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Datuk Henry Sum Agong, ‘ Tanah Bawang’ is for the Orang Ulu what ‘Pemakai Menoa’ (territorial / communal domain) and ‘Pulau Galau’ (forest reserves) are for the Ibans.
“Every ethnic community has its own terminology in NCR land claims – this must also be studied by the Sarawak NCR committee chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas,” he spoke at a NCR land committee meeting for the Lun Bawang community held at Hotel Seri Malaysia here yesterday.
The session was meant to refine several aspects related to ‘ Tanah Bawang’, which would be forwarded to the deputy chief minister later on.
Henry said the refinement of the definition is crucial to avoid it being politicised by certain quarters, or being manipulated for the interest of one particular community or party.
Every ethnic community has its own terminology in NCR land claims – this must also be studied by the Sarawak NCR committee chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The meeting also resolved that the NCR issue should not be politicised, but to be resolved by the committee appointed by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The chief minister, in October this year, categorically stated that the state government had recognised ‘Pemakai Menoa’ and ‘ Pulau Galau’ as NCR land, but added that there must be a right definition to ensure that it would acceptable to all.
He pointed out that Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, the state’s fifth chief minister, had recognised Pemakai Menoa’ and ‘ Pulau Galau’ as NCR land.
Uggah is currently working together with community leaders on finding the right solution that would be acceptable by all races.
Meanwhile Henry, in representing the Lun Bawang community, expressed his appreciation to the chief minister for setting up the committee tasked with finding a solution in accordance with Sarawak land Code.
The meeting here was attended by lawyers from the Lun Bawang community, grassroots leaders and respective chairmen of the Lun Bawang village development and security committees.
Senior lawyer Barry Sigar presented the briefing on the issue together with other lawyers and community leaders during yesterday’s session.
Henry, who is Lawas MP, said NCR land claims are based on respective definition and land use of each respective community, with factors such as history, geography and others being taken into account.
“It is vital that this issue is not misunderstood to avoid disharmony among members of the multi-racial society in Sarawak,” he said.
Datuk Henry Sum Agong, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism