KUCHING, Sept 8: The state government has been urged to legislate restoration of Native Customary Rights (NCR) over Pemakai Menoa and Pulau Galau (PMPG) based on the principle used by the New Zealand Maori to recover their land rights.
Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia), in its Triennial National Assembly here yesterday, has passed a resolution to push the state government to legislate restoration of the PMPG according to rights extinguished by common law leases, through adverse judicial decisions.
“Delegates based their decision on the principle that the Maori used to recover their land rights – I riro whenua atu, me hoki whenua mai (As land was taken, so land must be returned),” said Sidi Munan, who was re-elected Sadia chairman at the assembly held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre.
Pemakai Menoa refers to territorial domain, while Pulau Galau refers to communal forest reserves.
Sadia’s new national committee line-up includes Katut Achong as deputy chairman, Nicholas Mujah Ason (secretary-general), Andrew Paul (assistant secretary-general), Ruekeith Jampong (treasurer) and Engga Unchat (assistant treasurer).
The committee members included Patrick Sibat, Douglas Alau, David Munan, Peter John, Mabong Unggang, Maria Sai and Sybestine Gambong.
Diana David and Peter Moni have been named as auditors.
“All branch chairpersons shall be co-opted into the National Executive Committee,” Sidi said. — DayakDaily
