No point for opposition to stir things up over NCR issues — Former DCM
SIBU: It is pointless for the opposition to stir things up among the Dayaks over the Native Customary Rights ( NCR) land issues, as a way to gain political mileage in view of the coming election.
According to former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, this matter is already being handled by the state government, which has taken the necessary steps to protect NCR land.
Speaking at a ‘meet-the-people’ session in Rumah Segan Jubin in Engkamop, Pakan yesterday, he said amendments to the State Land Code would be carried out in the next sitting of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) this July.
“These amendments will properly define the ‘ Pemakai Menoa’ (territorial domain) and ‘Pulau Galau’ (communal reserves) concepts under NCR land.
“Then, they will be officially recognised components,” he said.
Jabu, who is also the science advisor to the state government, said this move indicates that the Dayak leaders in the government are upholding their responsibility of safeguarding the rights of the community.
He said using negative emotions to stir things up would not benefit anyone, and could even jeopardise the wellbeing of the society.
On the coming parliamentary election, Jabu called upon the voters in Pakan to give their full support to the candidate from Barisan Nasional (BN).
It is known that Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) secretary-general Datuk Joseph Salang has been renominated by the party to defend the seat.
Meanwhile in his speech earlier, Salang said the people should vote for BN, which is ‘a winning team’.
“It is already the government at state level. It will be the government at federal level after general election.
“If you want to be part of this winning team, support BN,” he called.
Salang also said by voting for a BN candidate, the people would have a bridge to link them with the government, with its entire present and future development agenda.
“Sarawak’s rural areas are now developing at a very fast pace, thanks to the government’s Rural Transformation Programme ( RTP) and also various regional development authorities,” he said.
Salang also advised the rural community leaders against being easily intimidated by the scare tactics and threats posed by opposition and its supporters, to discourage them from voting for the BN candidates.
Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth chief, was also present at the function which hosted more than 50 longhouse chieftains from the area.
In his remarks, Rentap called upon members of all PBB ‘Armada’ and PRS ‘Agro’ mobile youth groups to work closely with one another towards ensuring the success of all BN candidates in their respective areas in this election.
“Let us sink all those who dare challenge our BN candidates,” he pointed out.