On Today Show
— Roland Engan, Customary Land and Human Rights Lawyer – Justice Delayed: Campaign to Repeal Land Code Section for NCR Resolution
— Jeffery Ngui, Chairman of MUDA Sarawak – Building Confidence: The Opposition's Role in Strengthening Sarawak
— Anyi Lah from Long Tebangan, Ulu Baram – Challenges of Remote Living: Bridge Collapse in Sarawak's Interior
Topik Pada Hari Ini
- Roland Engan, Peguam Tanah Adat dan Hak Asasi Manusia - Keadilan Terlambat: Kempen untuk Memansuhkan Bahagian Kod Tanah bagi Penyelesaian NCR
- Jeffery Ngui, Pengerusi MUDA Sarawak - Membangunkan Keyakinan: Peranan Pembangkang dalam Memperkukuhkan Sarawak
- Anyi Lah dari Long Tebangan, Ulu Baram - Cabaran Hidup Terpencil: Runtuhnya Jambatan di Pedalaman Sarawak
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Roland Engan, Customary Land and Human Rights Lawyer
*Justice Delayed: Campaign to Repeal Land Code Section for NCR Resolution*
Sarawak plans to construct 10 more dams in areas with strong river currents identified as potential sites for generating electricity. The Minister of Public Utilities and Telecommunications, Sarawak, Julaihi Narawi, announced that three areas - Tutoh, Belaga, and Gaat - have been approved for dam construction following agreement from the local residents.
However, Roland Engan expressed disappointment, stating, 'I am very disappointed by the repeated statements regarding the dam construction projects and the claims that the local communities have agreed to these projects.' He mentioned that he had personally surveyed the opinions of the communities and found that the majority disagreed with the construction of the dams. Many residents were unaware of the projects, and there had been no consultation or request for their opinions. This lack of consultation indicates a failure of the GPS government to respect the basic rights of the people and to acknowledge their rights to the land they inhabit.
Roland emphasized that in the proposed dam construction sites, there are 'custodians' whose rights must be respected. He stressed that any development project must adhere to the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from the affected communities. Engan challenged the GPS to include the dam construction projects in their manifesto for the upcoming elections, allowing the people to evaluate and decide whether they support GPS's stance on dam development.
Furthermore, Roland is campaigning to repeal section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code 1958. He questions why the rights of the Bumiputra, who are the majority in Sarawak's administration, regarding land ownership are not respected. Section 5(7) of the Sarawak Land Code was inserted or amended during Taib Mahmud's administration, resulting in delays in resolving 3,000 NCR (Native Customary Rights) cases in the Sarawak Bumiputra Court. Engan believes that repealing this section will lead to the quick resolution of these cases and, most importantly, restore justice to the original landowners, as 'Justice delayed is injustice.'
