MYCONSTI Launch in Kampung Koyan on 16.10.10

MYCONSTI LAUNCH IN KAMPUNG KOYAN ON 16.10.10

According to the orang asli, the most controversial political situation in the country today is the provision of land rights to them. In order to frame this and other issues concerning orang asli, Perak Legal Aid Centre launched another MyConsti program in Kampong Koyan, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, following the earnest invitation of village spokesman, Bah Ahcom Luji.

The long tiring overland journey to the village was worth its while to Augustine Anthony, Bah Tony and me when three Tok Batins and 70 participants gave us a warm welcome. Despite the blistering mid-day heat, the orang asli seemed patient and receptive during the entire event. Among others, our talk included reviewing the impact of laws and policies on the orang asli and looking into their social justice and customary land title issues.

During question and answer session, the pleas for land rights as well as compensation for lost land and discussion of Aboriginal Peoples Act of 1954 (Act 134), took top priority. Some of them claimed that Illegal logging, which is a pervasive problem in this country, is causing enormous damage to forests and to them. As we know it, Illegal logging is already having a devastating impact on our forests. Its effects include deforestation, the loss of biodiversity and fuelling climate change. This creates social conflict with the orang asli and local populations and leads to violence, crime and human rights abuses. Many participants also lamented on the recent 2011 budget announcement which further exposed the short-comings in the department supposed to safeguard their interests.

Matters concerning Native Customary Land Rights have always haunted them until a glimmer of hope was seen in the recently concluded Sagong Tasi’s case. It is submitted that the two most essential elements in safeguarding the survival and unique identity of orang asli people is respect for their land and their law.

M. Gokoolaram Naidu

Executive Legal Officer

Perak Legal Aid Centre & Human Rights committee