DCCI hopes CM will hasten survey, issue titles for NCR lands
KUCHING: Members of the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( DCCI) are hoping the new Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg’s administration will accelerate the surveying and issuing of titles for Native Customary Rights ( NCR) lands.
DCCI president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum said this could be achieved through direct involvement of the various native chiefs and experts on local Adat laws.
“Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem is fondly remembered for the willingness to listen to the Dayak communities to find solutions over the issue on Pemakai Menua and Pulau Galau which have been recognised as special rights and practices by the communities since time immemorial.
“In that respect, we request that Datuk Amar Abang Johari make the necessary amendments to our Land Code so that Pemakai Menua and Pulau Galau be given the legislative force of law,” he said yesterday.
The late Adenan had expressed his readiness to meet with Dayak leaders on the customs of Pemakai Menua (territorial domain) and Pulau Galau (communal forest reserve) prior to his untimely demise on Jan 11.
This followed an outcry from the Dayak community over the Federal Court’s ruling on Dec 19 last year that both Pemakai Menua and Pulau Galau had no force of law in Sarawak.
An NCR land forum was organised in Kuching on Jan 7 by the Dayak Intellectual Group to come up with a memorandum to be presented to the chief minister on the matter.
On a related matter, Salang said the 700-member DCCI wished to assure Abang Johari of their continued support and cooperation for him in embarking upon his new responsibilities.
In congratulating Abang Johari on his appointment as the sixth Chief Minister of Sarawak, Salang said DCCI also wished Abang Johari every success as he takes up the responsibilities and challenges of the high office.
“With his wealth of experience, we have full confidence in YAB’s ( Datuk Amar Abang Johari) capability in upholding, fulfilling and carrying on Tan Sri Adenan’s excellent legacy which will strengthen inter-racial and inter- religious relations in the state.
“This will lead to the path of security, prosperity and happiness of the people,” he said.
He also mentioned that is DCCI’s ardent wish that the new chief minister will assist Dayak entrepreneurs and professionals who have been lagging far behind other communities in the areas of commerce and business.
“It is DCCI’s prayer that YAB ( Datuk Amar Abang Johari) will engage the Chamber in seeking ways to improve Dayak participation in commerce and industry,” he said.