SIBU, Feb 24: Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) Rajang is questioning the elected representatives who have reneged on the trust placed by the voters.
Its deputy chairman, Tuah Lumpoh urged all quarters to respect the sanctity of the democratic process which is the foundation of country building.
“We voted, as enshrined in our constitutional rights, for representatives that would defend our rights in land issues, social ills, meritocratic employment, transparent project tender awards and indigenous people rights to self-determination.
“With the current unfolding of events of political-manoeuvering in Putrajaya, we feel betrayed by the actions of politicians who do not put the interest of its citizens foremost but are more interested in the tussle for power and polarization of factions,” said Tuah in a press statement today.
Tuah also questioned on how the indigenous people exercise their rights to determine their status, to self-determination in matters relating to their local affairs and to strengthen their own institutions as enshrined in Article 3,4 & 5 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Meanwhile, Bill Jugah, Chairman of Sadia-Rajang said in moments when self-serving politicians have shown their true colours, it has become imperative for an independent institution based on ‘adat’ (customs) and headed by community-elected native leaders (Temenggung, Pemancha and Penghulu) to be set up to safeguard and protect the interest of the natives in terms of land rights and others.
“Otherwise, the natives could only rely on politically-elected leaders who may not be able to fully protect the native rights due to their political allegiance.”
“We stress on the importance of having an independent community-elected institution without political allegiance so that we the grassroots can rest assured that our rights are not trampled,” said Bill.
Since yesterday, a political turmoil has been set forth following Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad purportedly making an attempt to form a new government by joining force with a faction of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders, and leaders from opposition parti such as United Malays National Organisation (Umno) and Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (Pas). — DayakDaily
