KANOWIT: Land Development Minister Dato Sri Dr James Jemut Masing yesterday reassured owners of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land that the government was not out to rob them.
ON OFFICIAL DUTY: Masing (right) exchanges greetings with local community leaders on his arrival. Behind him is Gramong.
Government not out to rob you of your land, minister tells Native Customary Rights landowners
He advised those who still hesitate to participate in joint-venture land development projects to wake up and realise that their minds had been poisoned by certain quarters.
“They (those who are exploiting NCR land issue) want the people to think that the government is a robber.
“NCR land owners must think wisely of the long term benefits they will get from such projects. The government is keen to develop the land so it can provide people with a good source of income. This will help to look after their economy and social welfare,” he said. Masing said these at a dialogue session of the Majau/Poi NCR joint-venture project stakeholders, namely NCR land owners, Land Custody Development Authority (LCDA) and developer Antero Capital Sdn Bhd. It was held at Rumah Julin Tungkat, Nanga Sedabai, Sungai Poi – about 45 minutes by boat from here on Saturday.
Masing reiterated: “The government is protecting your land and not trying to part you with it.” He explained that if the land was not developed, the people would lose it much faster than anything else.
“Because when they are in need of money, it could lead some people to sell their land, thus they could lose their land,” he explained.
Meanwhile, when met later, Masing, who is also Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president, said his party had identified its candidates for the next state election.
“But we’re not going to tell you reporters. I have to inform the Chief Minister first,” he said.
Asked if there was going to be any new faces, he replied: “Maybe.”
Masing had earlier announced a RM8,000 grant for the 16-doorlonghouse. It was meant for buying a water tank. Among those present were Assistant Minister for Rural Development Datuk Gramong Juna, Assistant Minister for Land Development Sylvester Entri Muran, LCDA Regional Manager Ganggau Ugil, political secretary to the Chief Minister Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Kanowit district officer Bobbie Yamoh and Pemanca Spencer Kudang.