Uggah (middle) arrives to officiate the function. Also in the photo are Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (right) and Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Ahmad Maslan (left). Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: The Pemakai Menoa and Pulau Galau (PMPG) Committee will meet next week to discuss the Oct 13 Federal Court’s ruling that landowners cannot reclaim their native customary rights (NCR) land, which was under provisional lease, after it has been converted into lease-of-state land.
The decision had resulted in NCR landowners in Kampung Lebor, Jalan Gedong, Serian getting entitled to compensations and damages for infringement or extinguishment of NCR right as provided for under the Sarawak Land Code.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the committee had its first initital meeting on this issue, which he described as a new issue, few days ago during which the facts of the case were presented to him.
“We are studying the matter, and we will have a meeting on the issue next week,” he told reporters here today after representing Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the official opening of International Biomass Conference 2017 (IBCM) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching.
When asked if the meeting would discuss proposed amendments to the Sarawak Land Code, he said the committee would be considering all issues related to this matter.
“Let all these issues addressed by our committee holistically… Wait for the announcement,” he said.
The committee was expected to come up with a recommendation to the state government by end of this year.
He also declined to comment on some social media postings calling the Dayaks to hold a rally to protest the ruling, by saying, “Anybody can say anything they want”.