TRADITIONAL PRACTICE: Nanta (second right) performing the ‘miring’ ceremony.
KAPIT: Native customary rights (NCR) land gazetted under Section 6 of the Sarawak Land Code is not regarded as “land free for all”.
BN’s candidate for Kapit Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi lamented that what the opposition had been telling NCR landowners about Section 6 contained misleading facts, and hoped that those affected would not be influenced.
Speaking at a NCR Notification Gazette presentation ceremony for eight longhouses in Sungai Musah and Sungai Takan at Rumah Puso Anak Ketupong on Thursday, Nanta explained that once perimeter survey was carried out a notification gazette would be issued under Section 6 of the Sarawak Land Code that verifies the status of the NCR land as communal reserve for the landowners concerned.
“No other person can claim over such land, and that is the first step.”
The second step involved surveying for individual land titles under Section 18 for the issuance of individual land titles, but this can only be done provided there were no disputes.
Nanta said once land titles were issued under Section 18, the land could not be sold to non-Bumiputera.
“This is meant to preserve your asset and the heritage of your forefathers. In addition, there is no expiry date to the land ownership, except when the government needed the land for development purposes.
“If the government acquired the land then compensation would be paid.”
Nanta hoped all NCR landowners would understand the mechanics of the whole process clearly before pointing accusing fingers at the government for allegedly grabbing their land as claimed by the opposition.
He admitted that there were some weaknesses in the implementation of the first perimeter survey, but the government had tightened all loose ends.
“The first perimeter survey involved private surveyors who came in without the knowledge of the people. This issue was then quickly manipulated by the opposition,” recalled Nanta.
“We have learned from our mistake and we now have a better system. Before a perimeter survey is done, the Land and Survey Department would hold a dialogue with the landowners concern to explain to them the main objectives of the programme.
“This is how we work and how the BN work. The people should not be too emotional concerning this issue as the government is truly committed to assist them have their NCR land gazetted and given land titles.”
Meanwhile, Katibas assemblyman Datuk Ambrose Blikau Enturan, who was also present, said those who rejected the notification gazette should submit their rejection letter to the Land and Survey Department and extend a copy to Song district office, community leaders Pemanca Gudang Gramong and Penghulu Galau Melina, to him and Nanta.
He said he was saddened that some of NCR landowners had rejected the notification gazette which had been approved by the government.
Blikau said by right they should be thankful that the government had perimeter surveyed their land because in many other places people were jostling to have their NCR land surveyed.
On politics, Blikau urged those present to support Nanta.
“I am aware that many voters in Sungai Musah had gone astray in past general elections. This time around, those of you who have gone astray should return to the BN fold. I can assure you that your future is certain under the BN.” #myvote13 #ge13