SARAWAK’S CM FACES UK PROTESTERS!
Posted by gkm2020
For courtesy of DB readers
Sarawak’s Chief Minister Faces UK Protesters Over Penan
Chief Minister Taib Mahmud was met by demonstrators protesting at the destruction of the Penan’s rainforest. Chief Minister Taib Mahmud was met by demonstrators protesting at the destruction of the Penan’s rainforest. Credit: © Survival
Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud faced protests by supporters of the Penan in the UK today, while British MPs have written to him expressing concern over the newly documented cases of sexual abuse of Penan women.
Protestors from Survival International and other organizations greeted the Chief Minister in Oxford this morning, where he had travelled with cabinet colleagues to give the keynote speech at the Inaugural Oxford Global Islamic Branding and Marketing Forum.
The protesters held placards reading ‘Penan tribe say NO to logging’ and ‘Malaysia: Stop destroying the Penan tribe’. The protest forced the Chief Minister to enter the building through a side entrance.
The chairman of the British parliament’s All Party Parliamentary Group for Tribal peoples, MP Martin Horwood, has written to Taib Mahmud on the occasion of the Chief Minister’s visit to the UK.
‘The Penan have frequently been subject to violence and intimidation at the hands of loggers operating on their land… Without recognition of their land rights, the Penan are struggling to provide for themselves, and are left vulnerable to violence and exploitation’.
Mr Horwood urged the Chief Minister to ‘halt logging and other developments on the Penan’s land without their free, prior and informed consent, according to international law’ and to ‘ensure that Penan women and girls are protected from sexual violence and the perpetrators of such abuse brought to justice’.
Dayak have suffered most from deprivation
The Dayaks had so much suffered detriment in respect of the following types of interest in the land:
(1) deprivation of heritage lands;
(2) deprivation of freedom of inhabitation or movement;
(3) deprivation of produce of the forest;
(4) deprivation of future living for their immediate family; and
(5) deprivation of future living for their descendants.
Taken as a whole, it appears that the deprivation of those rights amount to deprivation of Dayaks’ livelihood.
To deprive a person of his/her right to livelihood is to deprive him/her of life, Such an approach is congruent with the native philosophy towards land. In the words of the Dayaks themselves: ‘Land is the life”/ “Tanah Tu Pengidup Bansa Dayak”!
To chase Dayaks from their land means to destroy their identity and life including rights relating to their ancestral land, whether used for hunting or spiritual purposes are not just a matter of ownership in the Western sense.
NOTES: Malaysia Property Law
The provision that no one shall be deprived of property without adequate compensation under article 13 ‘ensures the sanctity of private property’, The rules of the property system envisaged thereunder are organized around the idea that resources are separate objects, each assigned and therefore belonging to some particular individual.
On the contrary, indigenous people generally view property not as private property but as a communal and collective right. Removal of land or rights to land may be tantamount to taking away their culture, their tradition and their history.
Dayaks are not ‘pendatang haram’
Dayaks are natives not “Pendatang Haram”, “Squatters” or Malays but definitely a Malaysian. The indigenous Dayaks, being one of the ethnic minorities of the Federation (Malaysia), must be allowed to benefit on an equal footing from the rights and opportunities which the law grants to the other sections of the community.
In so far as their social, economic and cultural conditions prevent them from enjoying the benefits of the laws of the country, special measures should be adopted for the protection of the institutions, customs, mode of life, person, property and labor of the native people.
The natives shall be allowed to retain their own customs, political system, laws and institutions when they are not incompatible with the national legal system.
Who should protect the native Dayaks?
With regard to the natives, it is woven into article 153 of the Federal Constitution and section 39 of the Sarawak Constitution. It is the responsibility of the Yang Pertuan Agong (the King) and the Yang Di Pertua Negri (the Governor) to safeguard the special position of Malays and natives of, respectively, Sabah and Sarawak. Furthermore, preferential treatment as regards alienation of land by the state to the natives of Sabah and Sarawak is also stipulated in article 161A(5) of the Federal Constitution.
If they can’t protect us, then who should? Your call…..Change WE Must!
Conclusion
It is high time that the Government to think ‘out-of–the box’ and explores the notion that Dayaks in Sarawak and Sabah progress lies in empowering Dayaks over their customary lands.
It is high time for the Dayaks to think ‘out-of-the-box’ if this current Government failed to resolve their needs and wants then it about time for Dayaks to change the Government.
“Laban-Tetap-Laban” sigi adat kitai bedemokrasi maya bepilhraya tu ila.
Popularity: 24% [?]
NADAI SALAH NUKAR PERINTAH
Written by gkm2020
Nadai Salah Nukar Perintah Dalam Adat Bedemokrasi
In our society, most of the key decisions that affect our everyday lives – our work/ employment quota, our family/children, our budget/finance/grant, our environment, our health, our food, our education/ business, our public transport/infrastructures, our housing, and other general livelihood – are made behind closed doors by unelected officials who are heavily influenced by business interests or “kekayaan dan kuasa” (KK).
Changing political platform is like amending the governmental platform to administer the country ‘s constitutions, laws and policies. Adaptation also mean changing to new styles; just like changing your clothes and/or color to suit your favor.
DBs must stands for a recognition of society to transfer real power to the rakyat of Sarawak. Remember this, “Democratic Government” is not “Authoritarian Government”. Read more
Popularity: 18% [?]
DAYAKS ARE NOT SQUATTERS!!
Written by gkm2020
We are not squatters; destroyed Dayak/Iban longhouse Sg. Sekabai (Rh Nor Nyawai), Bintulu.
Why Dayak needs to protect their rights?
We are not “sampah masyarakat” or “Bangsa Orang Setinggan Sarawak (BOSS)”? These issues have nothing to do with BN, UMNO, PBB, SUPP, PRS, SPDP, DS Anwar Ibrahim, PKR, DAP and/or any opposition party in Sarawak/Malaysia; these many issues are all related to Dayaks’ indigenous people rights! Dayaks must preserve their own ‘native identities’ and culture.
DAYAK, also known as Dyak is a term of ethnicity that refers to the native/indigenous peoples of Borneo who are neither Sea Dayak nor Land Dayak or Orang Ulu and/or any other native tribes of Borneo, particularly to the tribes of the interior of the state of Sarawak.
The Dayak are divided into six groups: the Penans, Klemantans, and Kenyahs, who represent the oldest Dayak elements of Borneo, and the Kayans, Muruts, and Iban, who are later arrivals. Read more
Popularity: 39% [?]
The “Dayak” genocide by the Government
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
Nothing much has changed with the life of the Dayak especially those that are living in the rural areas. The Government took away plenty of their nature heritage: forest logs, clean rivers, meats, building material, farm land, traditional herbal medicine etc but the Government has very little to give back to the Dayak.
The POVERTY TRAP
In its effort to develop the economic well being of Sarawak, the Government did not take serious consideration to the impact of natural resources extraction to the rural Dayak. The Penan ended having to starve as they are without food. How could that be – when the Penan live a very basic life of jungle gathering, hunting and limited farming. The land has provided them with everything and they do not have to do much to get their food from their surrounding and natural environment.
Those living in long house still struggle up river through dangerous rapids and long hours journey because there is no road. The timber company came to build timber roads and temporary bridges and this is the facilities that the Dayak are using now. Without the timber company the road will go bad and the bridge collapse.
Schools and education are as difficult to get in 2010 as in 1963 when Malaysia was formed. Talking about soft skill and knowledge society to rural Dayak is akin to talking about a journey to planet Jupiter. Read more
Popularity: 34% [?]
Gawai Dayak to Pontianak
Written by Dr. John Brian Anthony
SDNU Gawai: 15th May 2010
The highlight for this year Gawai would be the “Pekit Kumang” with cash prizes of $5000 (1st), $3000 (2nd) and $2000 (3rd). Each participants who did not win the three top placing will be given $400 each. A special prize will be given to Miss Photogenic $1000 sponsored by The Star newspaper.
Dato Seri William Mawan will attend the Gawai as Guest of Honour. 100 tables has been readied and the latest information says that about 75 tables has been sold, mostly the $400 and the $350.00 tables. Those interested can call Spencer Birai, the SDNU Executive Secretary hp: 013 – 8080 433.
Delegation from Sabah, Labuan, Pontianak and Brunei is expected to come and present their cultural items.
Gawai to Pontianak
The Dayak Gawai in Pontianak will be officially be launched on 20th May 2010. I will be leaving to Pontianak on the 18th of May and to present a paper on Culture as a Tourism Product in a Cultural seminar on the 19th May.
Gawai in Kalimantan is always that “extra special” as we got the feeling of being connected to our roots in a very special way. To be part of the visitors to this Gawai and witness their cultural presentation and to enjoy the Gawai environment is something you will never forget. The energy of the performers, the strong traditional music, the art crafts, the beautiful Dayak ladies and well groom Dayak men in traditional clothes will surely over whelm you.
Invitation
Sarawak Dayak National Union has been officially invited by our counterpart in kalimantan, the Majlis Adat Dayak Nasional AND Dewan Adat Dayak Kalbar.
Those of you who are interested to join this Gawai in Pontianak, you can contact Anthony Banyan (SDNU Vice-President 1) to include you in the SDNU delegation. HP: 019 – 8884 800.
Selamat ngintu Hari Gawai ke taun 2010.
Popularity: 11% [?]
Government is not listening to young educated Dayak view
Taken from: Sarawak Updates
Forum to give feedback on KONSEP BARU RUMAH PANJANG
A forum initiated by Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) branch leader and active social politic blogger, James Joshua Guang drew mixed reaction from the younger Dayaks.
Although the mainstream press were reporting “sweet” comments on the initiative, the younger generation was obviously demanding for better features.
Eighty One (81) comments in a few hours forum
The debate, among the supporters and critique, the cynics and sarcastic, generated 81 comments in barely few hours.
James uploaded 18 photos that cover the longhouse concept, plan and explanation that attract his circle of friends inputs.
Design issues?
The most significant issue was that the designers are probably non-dweller of loonghouse who lacked the understanding of certain feature that is deemed mandatory for a longhouse, particularly the Ruai.
Only Tuai Rumah and Ketua Kaum invited to the forum
Though many Young Urban Professionals were keen to join the seminar to give their input, a check with Housing Ministry revealed that the seminar was only meant for Tuai Rumah and Ketua Kaum.
The government is defensive – why?
The government always seem to be eager to avoid the educated young Dayak from giving their views. James Joshua Guang should know that the view of the young Dayak are important – for being a blogger and being in the young Dayak group.
What will the government aimed to gain from isolating the young and educated Dayak from the feedback process? Is the governmnet trying to hijack the process when it is not even inclusive of the views of the Dayak Youth who are going to take over from the current generation living in the long house. Unless of course the government is up to no good and James J. Guang is another political stooge in the making.
The same old approach – the government knows best
The same approach taken by the government. There are bull dozing the design of the long house. In itself without the “ruai” will become a town design terrace house. Will that affect the way the long house people interact with one another? I think yes – because the common space is important for all functions and daily interaction among the long house dweller.
What is the mechanism to execute this long house plan? Does the Ministry of Housing care to share the same with the people of Sarawak by detailing it in an official way. Eg. What will happen to the house owner if he is not able to pay for the loan? Any long house dweller will know that some “hard core” poor in the long house – “old age” couple will not be able to service their loan
How is the status of the NCR land affected by the long house new concept? Is it going to give a general benefit or will it deprive the long house dwellers of their land around the long house.
In Kemena – Rh Micheal of Sekutan
Some members of Dr. Stephen Rundi longhouse in Sekutan, Kemena has asked about this concept to Dayakbaru. Unfortunately, Dayakbaru is not familiar with the concept and has refused to make any comment on the matter. Dr. Rundi who hailed from Sekutan should be in a better position to enlighten the long house mate of their concerns. It only goes to show that “poor communication” of the concept will be a major obstacle to this concept. many long houses will wait and see if this concept actually work well for those who participated before committing themselves.
What are your concerns?
The government read this blog. Maybe by raising your question under this topic will serve our educated young Dayak purpose to give feedback on the concept.
Any Dayakbaru with the deatil on this concept, please make it available to this blog for Dayakbaru information. Ask you YB to get it for us.
Conclusion
We must not take this issue lightly as we will be changed by BN if we do not work out changes for ourselves.
Popularity: 26% [?]
Politics is not the sole solution to Dayak problems
Written by: Dr. John Brian Anthony
Is politics the only option to Dayak problem to progress
The answer is NO. But politics does enable many problems to be solved as is provided in a democratic country. The power is in the hand of the people. Political organization are needed to get support to form the government. The government is the legitimate body to legislate law, formulate policies, spend the country’s money and provide leadership on issues that is important to bring peace and progress to the country.
But that does not mean that there are no other options to bring progress to the Dayak. By getting involved in Dayak NGOs or any other legal organization is a real option where we can contribute our time, resources and effort. More than all these is the individual him/her self by making oneself available to participate in problem solving, expertise and even an added number to the larger bodies of membership that is committed to achieve their set objective.
Popularity: 40% [?]
Questioning the rights of Malay is sensitive issue – why?
Written by Dr. John Brian Anthony
Malay issues
Who is a Malay and who is a bumiputera? Everytime I read statement from UMNO Youth and the like of Ibrahim Ali who speaks about Malay rights I often wonder whether he would include the Dayaks natives of Sabah and Sarawak in his line of thinking or otherwise. Or is he thinking only about Malay as defined by Wikipedia as:
The article defines a Malay as a Malaysian citizen born to a Malaysian citizen who professes to be a Muslim, habitually speaks the Malay language, adheres to Malay customs, and is domiciled in Malaysia or Singapore. As a result, Malay citizens who convert out of Islam are no longer considered Malay under the law. Likewise, a non-Malay Malaysian who converts to Islam can claim to be a Malay, provided they meet the other conditions. An example of this is Jeanne Abdullah the wife of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is ethnically Portuguese-Eurasian.
This definition is very vague and we have many migrant from India, Iraq, Iran, Pakistani, Indonesian, Filipino etc who claimed to be Malay – and rightly so if we follow the above definition.
If that is so we will find ourselves sidelining our own very Malaysian natives as the same people claim to be bumiputera and outright unfair to the Malaysian Chinese and Indian who are several generation old in this land.
Popularity: 24% [?]
Let the problem in Sarawak become Malaysian problem
Taken from: The Malaysian Insider
Dayakbaru:
The title of this article in Malaysia Insider is “Time to make it a Malaysian problem”. I find it relevant that we must make Dayak problem as Malaysian problem. We must make the 18 / 20 points agreement for forming Malaysia a Malaysia problem. We must make the poor living condition in the Sarawak interior a Malaysian problem. We must make the “raping” of our forest, the robbing of our NCR land and the poor representation of Dayak in the civil service a Malaysian problem.
This require a new mind set – let us begin to understnad the basic concept by reading the below article and transcent it to the Dayak problems as highlighted in this Dayakbaru weblog.
Popularity: 21% [?]
Another victory for the natives of Sarawak
Press release by: Mark Bujang
12 years to get their rights over NCR / NCL
The Kayan community of Long Teran Kanan, Tinjar, Miri Division finally got the justice they deserve after fighting the legal battle at the High Court for more than 12 years to get recognition of their native customary rights to their native customary land.
The judgment was delivered by the Senior Assistant Registrar of the Miri High Court, Abdul Raafidin bin Majidi on behalf of Justice Datuk Abdul Aziz bin Adul Rahim at 10 am this morning to the joy of the villagers numbering about 50 people who were in court to hear the decision.
Class action suit
The court declared that the plaintiffs, Lah Anyie and 4 others who were representing their village of Long Teran Kanan in a class action suit, possess native customary rights (NCR) over their native customary land (NCL) area at Long Teran Kanan, Tinjar and that the Provisional Leases (PLs) of Lot 3 and Lot 8 Dulit Land District issued by the third defendant, the Sarawak Government through the Land and Survey Department to the first and second defendants, Land Custody Development Authority (LCDA) or also known as Pelita and IOI Pelita Plantation Sdn. Bhd. (formerly known as Rinwood Pelita Plantation Sdn. Bhd.) are declared null and void.
PLs cannot impair and disturb natives rights
The court further declared that the plaintiffs also possess NCR outside the two PLs areas according to the plaintiffs’ communal boundary and that the third defendant cannot impair and disturbed those rights or be inconsistent with the plaintiffs’ rights.
The court went on to say that the two PLs issued by the third defendant to the first and second defendants were bad and in breach of the law, as the third defendant never extinguished the plaintiffs’ NCR and compensated them as in accordance to Section 15 of the Sarawak Land Code.
Popularity: 24% [?]
Questions for Prime Minister to answer
Posted by: JF
These questions were meant to be asked to Tengku Razaleigh – but the same questions could be asked to the Prime Minister.
YAB Prime Minister:
1. Please indicate the number of oil wells in Sabah, Sarawak waters including those in the Exclusive Economic Zone and from how many of these oil and gas wells are Sabah and Sarawak getting royalty?
Popularity: 20% [?]
Minyak Sabah untuk siapa?
Posted by: Joe Fernandez
Dayakbaru comment:
The same question could also be asked by Sarawak – Minyak Sarawak untuk siapa?
Today we see more Malay people working in the oil and gas sector in Sabah and Sarawak. Big contracts are awarded to the UMNO link companies – those who supported UMNO with the intention of getting big business. Sabah and Sarawak workers are left to become the “buruh” and contract workers.
Which important position is held by a Sabahan or Sarawakian in PETRONAS if I may asked?
Feeling of being cheated and taken for granted
As a general rule it is not good to feel negative and angry. Sometimes it is a good state of mind to get into thinking what can we actually do to change the situation. Our current BN elected representatives from Sabah and Sarawak are people who have to protect their personal wealth and interest. We need a new set of leaders with different values. A value that focus of bringing more progress to the state not based on compromised but by using the “rights” of the two countries as equal partners with Malaya to form the Federation of Malaysia.
Malaya take away the big cake – and nothing for us
Malaya has built a big industry out of oil and gas resources and the Federal government is not managing the money earn from oil wisely – it is more focus to enrich themselves and their political supporters rather then the well being of the people in Sabah and Sarawak. Road, water and electricity are basics amenities that is well below par compared with the other States in Malaya. All of the mega projects and development are cited in Malaya using Sabah and sarawak money. Big jobs goes to Malaya. That is NOT fair at all as Malaya are taking the cake away from Sabah and Sarawak instead of being inclusive by working together.
The greed of Malaya is insatiable and their ignorance of Sabah and Sarawak is a result of federal Government policy in education and Information sharing.
Is this the Malaysia we help to form?
Popularity: 13% [?]
Contemplating pulling out of Malaysia
Posted By : Athi Shankar
Dayakbaru comment:
The sentiment is slowly but surely building up in Sabah and Sarawak to pull out of Malaysia. Those youth that received education in Malaya begin to recognize the poor development in Sabah and Sarawak is a direct result of poor governance and management of the natural resources in the two countries.
Sabah and Sarawak is grossly under develop
BN led by UMNO has not given priorities to Sabah nad Sarawak in development. The education materials used in schools in Malaysia ignore the special status of the countries and their histories. Today – Malaya population refer to Sarawak as another two States in Malaysia when in actual fact, Sabah and sarawak are equal partners in Malaysia.
State Federal relation brought down to the level of the Federated Malay States before Malaysia was formed
All these happened because the Federal governmnet is working slowly but surely to diminish the power of the State government in Sabah and Sarawak.
The perception of young voters
Young voters in Sabah and Sarawak will have to decide on the future of the current based on what lies in ahead for the two countries if it still be part of the Federation of Malaysia.
The promised projects in the various Malaysia’s Plan most of the time never materialized as much fund has been abused and misdirected. The amount allocated are too small while the revenue from Sabah and Sarawak are substantial.
Why is Muslim only allow to lead the government in Sabah and Sarawak?
Basically, UMNO wanted to see only Malay Muslim ruling Sabah Sarawak. It is a form of colonization that the young voters are not happy about.
One thing will lead to another and hopefully some political changes will be made otherwise the future of Malaysia would be a very rough soon.
Election result in not a good indicator
Election result is not a good indication of Sabah Sarawak support for Malaysia because of vote buying and also the poor and deceitful role played by the Election Commission.
Popularity: 11% [?]
Tun Mahathir regretted bringing UMNO to Sabah
Taken from: Malaysiakini (Joe Fernandez)
Dayakbaru comment:
Sabah main issue is illegal immigrants and the rights of the Dayak Kadazan Dusun Murut are not respected. Progress among the Dayak are slow comparatively speaking as the federal government are practicing the “divide and rule” approach to put Muslim UMNO as the government of Sabah.
Illegal immigrants are issued with Mykad
The Federal government practice the policy of turning a blind eye and even help to issue Mykad to this Muslim immigrants with the intention of holding to power in Sabah. In 1963 there are about 19,000 Muslim in Sabah but today there are close to 400,000 thousand with the influx of illegal immigrant from Philippines and Indonesia Muslim.
Sabah greatest fear
One day sooner than later, Sabah will be rule by the illegal immigrants. This is Sabahan greatest fear. There are many instances where the immigrant received better treatment then the Sabahan. All these are the “racial and religious” policy encourage by the Federal government. Effort to stop this influx of illegal immigrant is only the wishes of the Sabahan BUT not that of the Federal government. This is a political issue of many Sabahan.
Sabahan will need to sit and ponder over their future as the security and the future of Sabah is not assured with peace and the poor Dayak Kadazan Dusun and Murut are not getting better.
The same is happening in Sarawak - Mykad given to illegal immigrant
In Sarawak, many illrgal immigrants has also been given the Mykad for the same reason as in Sabah that is to get more vote for the Muslim government. Many of these immigrants has been issued with land titles and are registered voters in Sarawak.
The State government of Sabah and sarawak DO NOT have the power to solve this illegal immigrant problem. BN leaders in both States never brought this issue in Parliament. At what cost must we pay before this issue get out of hand on the ground.
Ngayau as a solution
Kalimantan Dayak solved the problem by going back to “Ngayau” to resist the transmigration policy of Jakarta to Kalimantan. Is this our only option in the near future?
Popularity: 10% [?]
Iban Warriors journey home – syabas Lt Kol Robert Rizal Abdullah
Taken from The Malaysian Insider
Dayakbaru Comment:
Today we Iban has not been given the chance to hold a post of “General” despite many generation of service to defend the country. How I wish to see 1 Malaysia make that dream come true.
But then we are now called “dan lain-lain” or “others” in the racial classification of Malaysia. Is that fair to us. The communist in Sarawak were mainly Chinese and the Dayak were fighting with the government. What did the Dayak soldiers got? Nothing!!!
Even the word Dayak has been banned by Sarawak government in 2000. Only fame seeking Joseph Entulu dare to state the government position on the use of the word Dayak. He got burnt in the process and hopefully he has learn his lesson well.
Sri Aman returnees were given land title. We can find them in Tg. Kidurong Bintulu with land given by the government. Now they have prosper because their landed title gave them a good start to secure bank loan etc. They also control the vegetable business in Bintulu and of course with Chinese community support.
For Dayak, our leaders do not have a plan for those soldiers. That is the difference between our Dayak leaders – without vision and solution while the Chinese leaders are innovative and pragmatic. In the end the enemy of the State of Sarawak become the RICH while those fighting to defend Sarawak remain in poverty. It is sad.
Popularity: 29% [?]
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