NCR

Review all laws affecting NCR: Jeffrey

Kinabalu: Borneo Foundation Heritage (BFH) Chairman Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said there is need for the Government to review all legislation pertaining to the native customary rights (NCR).

"We need clearer legislation on NCR to avoid unnecessary confusion and court actions. The Government should look into the compliance mechanism for the protection of Native Customary Rights.

"I hope the Government think-tank will find a solution for this issue as I am also aware that expanding families can cause land disputes and further expansion of lands if allocation was specifically given to individuals.

"We need more allocation, perhaps, for community titles for natives.

It is not an easy issue but one we must resolve before the next general election.

"Looking at the Federal Constitution, our native rights are supposed to be protected by the monarchy, so this is a very important issue that must not be dismissed," he said.

Reinforcing the idea that any citizen can question the Government on the issue of fulfilling the terms of Article 8 of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, Dr Jeffrey applauded the decisions of parties such as Snap, Upko and SAPP who had publicly stated they subscribe to the Borneo Agenda promoted by UBF even though their political alliance remain either BN, PR or independent.

"With 75 per cent of Parliament represented by West Malaysians, we do not expect small component parties to leave the 'big brother' alliances so easily.

"Ultimately we are not so much persuading the political parties but the leaders in those parties to take on the responsibility to make a stand for what is right and that is the complete fulfilment of Article 8 of the Malaysia Agreement so that the safeguards required for the protection and empowerment of the people of Sabah and Sarawak will be respected, reinstated and reinforced.

"Parties can't make the difference, only the leaders can.

Leaders from Borneo must have the tenacity to deal with leaders who would belittle the Borneo Agenda for want of knowledge.

"In all likelihood, those who would oppose the Borneo Agenda would oppose without much knowledge of the historical records that brought this country into existence in 1963.

"If they are aware, it is likely they sit on a minority bench and unable to propose any change. We need leaders from Borneo from all political fronts to make a stand on these issues and invite mutual understanding and acceptance in parliament," he said.

Dr Jeffrey said if the decision to follow the Borneo Agenda would result in economically benefiting all the States of Malaysia, it will probably be more palatable to the 75 per cent.

Otherwise, he said Sabah and Sarawak would only ever represent exploitation in their eyes and the focus of economic development would prioritise only West Malaysian interests as opposed to East Malaysia.

"It's time we reviewed this focus and negotiate for a review of the situation. Sabah and Sarawak are internationally regarded as the nation's source of wealth, so the issue of poverty is not about our resources and industries but about the filtering of benefits back to the people from the taxes and benefits received by the government from the people."

He said natives must not be left behind and the government must resolve to follow the recommendation of our forefathers that native customary rights to occupy state lands are to be prioritised.

"A corporate body can represent a number of shareholders and directors who are not even remotely native. They would apply for their own economic gain.

"The government should deliberate their decisions based on the premise that on the 16th September 1963, they had assumed a de facto role of becoming the guardian of the native people of Sabah and Sarawak," said Dr Jeffrey.

He also explained the re-structuring exercise of the UBF to allow for the development of a registered committee of young leaders who wish to promote the Borneo Agenda to all political parties.

"The UBF doesn't discriminate members on the basis of political affiliation. We respect the decisions of our members and leaders to pursue the agenda in every field of endeavour, whether it's NGO, political parties, affiliated committees or just through social tea parties.

"If the safeguards of 1963 are in people's minds, the objectives behind political manifestos will cease to ignore the importance of Sabah and Sarawak to national development," he said.

Story Arrangement By: Sabah Todays Admin

Sources: Daily Express News Paper

Picture: Google Images