7 May 2024
On Today Show
— Nick Kelesau, Penan Activist – Penan Mobilize Against Samling's Logging Operations in Layun FMU
— Jimmy from Miri – Sarawak's Indigenous Land Rights: A Forgotten Agenda?
— Bryan Tan from Muda Sibu – Muda Sarawak's Advocacy: Ensuring Education Access for All
Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Nick Kelesau, Aktivis Penan – Penan Bergerak Menentang Operasi Pembalakan Samling di Layun FMU
— Jimmy dari Miri – Hak Tanah Orang Asal Sarawak: Satu Agenda yang Terlupakan?
— Bryan Tan dari Muda Sibu – Advokasi Muda Sarawak: Memastikan Akses Pendidikan untuk Semua
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*Special Randau*
1. Samling is expected to start logging in the Layun FMU area soon. The Penan in four settlements in Ulu Baram will protest.
2. MACC has no intention of arresting Tun Mahathir regarding the declaration of assets case - said MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki.
3. MACC will investigate the actions of Housing and Local Government Minister (DAP) Nga Kor Ming for announcing infrastructure funds in the Kuala Kubu Baru by-election area.
4. PAS Secretary-General Takiyuddin Hassan has promised to file a petition if PH wins in Kuala Kubu Baru. Takiyuddin claims that they have evidence of corruption committed by their opponents.
5. Malaysia lost RM277 billion in the past 5 years due to corruption. This was stated by MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki during the launch of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in Putrajaya today.
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Nick Kelesau, Penan Activist
*Penan Mobilize Against Samling's Logging Operations in Layun FMU*
Field information - Samling Logging Company is set to enter the Layun FMU soon after receiving approval from MTCS in February 2024.
However, according to Nick, the Penan will block their entry as long as Samling does not meet the conditions they require. Last week, Nick Kelesau and his colleagues visited Long Pakan, Long Sayan, Long Belok, and Long Nen. These are Penan areas affected by logging within the Layun FMU (142,790 hectares). The Penan in these four settlements are still awaiting Samling's arrival to negotiate with them and adhere to their conditions.
Samling has yet to meet with us, as stated by the Penan in Long Pakan. Meanwhile, the Penan in Long Nen completely oppose Samling's presence. Overall, the Penan are protesting against logging in their area.
However, since they have been granted logging licenses, Samling must adhere to certain regulations, such as not cutting trees in conservation forests, not cutting protected trees, building roads and houses for the Penan community, and returning a certain percentage of profits to the Penan community.
The Penan in Long Pakan have written to Samling asking them not to log in NCR land. If these conditions are not met, they will set up a blockade.
Nick Kelesau's team was obstructed by a small group of Penan who support Village Head Sakaria Pada (a pro-Samling team). Trees were cut along the road to the logging area, preventing them from reaching the area designated for logging by Samling. Due to a small group of Penan being given money and projects by Samling, the Penan in Long Pakan are divided. Some support Samling, but the majority disagree with Samling's logging activities. The supporters are provided with new houses and incentives. These supporters include Sakaria Pada, who took over the position of village head from his father, Pada Jutang.
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Mr. Jimmy from Miri
*Sarawak's Indigenous Land Rights: A Forgotten Agenda?*
Jimmy stated that the statement by the TYT of Sarawak to continue demanding the rights enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is unnecessary because it is indeed Sarawak's right. Jimmy also believes that this is just a political game by Sarawak GPS leaders because they are skilled at acting.
GPS, since the BN era, should have long demanded the rights of MA63 instead of just now. According to Jimmy, the statement by the Governor should not be solely for political purposes, but what about the governance system between the Prime Minister and the Governor himself? The system should also be implemented such that if the Governor is a Muslim, then the Sarawak Premier MUST be from the Dayak or Orang Ulu ethnic group because the position of the state leader has already been taken over by the Sarawak state government itself!
Lastly, what about the land rights of the indigenous people of Sarawak? Shouldn't they be demanded by the indigenous people who have been deprived of their rights by the Sarawak state government through political power? Therefore, return the customary land rights of the indigenous people.
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Bryan Tan from Muda Sibu
*Muda Sarawak's Advocacy: Ensuring Education Access for All*
In Sibu, Sarawak, Muda Sarawak is also working hard to help local residents resolve citizenship issues, especially students who cannot continue their education due to the lack of MyKad.
Bryan stated that citizenship issues are one of the serious challenges faced by many families in the local area. In Sarawak, not having a MyKad means being unable to access education, employment, and many other basic rights. To address this problem, Muda Sibu is collaborating with local communities to provide support and guidance to those in need. They assist in applying for MyKad, ensuring that students without MyKad but with potential can continue their education.
Bryan called on all individuals without MyKad to report to them for assistance as soon as possible. He stated that Muda Sarawak will continue to work towards resolving this issue and hopes to help more people access their rightful rights and opportunities.