KOTA KINABALU: University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is hosting a two-day ‘Symposium on Native Land Rights’ to discuss and find solutions to land issues faced by Sabahans.
The two-day event which is jointly organized by the university and Pusat Sumber Adat dan Mediasi Kaum Anak Negeri Sabah (PUSAKA), was officially opened yesterday with deliberations on eight papers.
Among the presenters were experts from related fields from various associations, professional organizations and academic institutions.
The symposium, which was officiated by Chief Judge in Sabah and Sarawak cum founder of PUSAKA, Tan Sri Richard Malanjum, will resume today with group discussions and panel forum.
UMS vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Kamaruzaman Ampon said the symposium was organized in recognition of the urgency to resolve native land rights issues in Sabah.
“Native land embodies the histories of our people through significant sites and natural monuments. It nurtures indigenous material cultures by providing materials for tools, houses, garments, baskets, nets, local musical instruments and other items.
“It shapes intangible cultural heritage through sounds, materials for musical instruments, and is reflected in world views and beliefs, dance and ritual and ‘adat’… Unfortunately nowadays, many outside entities are threatening native rights, particularly land rights,” he said.