DNC to organise NCR Land Forum on May 9, about 500 expected to attend

KUCHING, May 4, 2015 - Civil society group Dayak National Congress (DNC) will organise a Native Customary Rights (NCR) Land Forum at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association headquarters here on Saturday (May 9), starting at 9am.

DNC secretary general Richard Lias said today that about 500 participants from Dayak-based NGOs, educated Dayaks and community leaders are expected to attend.

DNC president Mengga Mikui (second left, seated front row) with committee members and members

He said that the forum is in response to the State government's decision to appeal to the Federal Court against the recognition to the Dayak Iban customs of "Pemakai Menoa" (territorial domain)  and "Pulau Galau" (communal forest reserve) by the High Court and affirmed by the Court of Appeal.

"Although the appeal to the Federal Court is against the Dayak Iban customs, nevertheless, the implications is far reaching because the Dayak Bidayuh and Orang Ulu communities have similar customs," Lias said.

He added:"In the event that the State government succeed in its appeal, the Bidayuh and Orang Ulu communities will also be affected."

He said the forum may be the last stand that the Dayak community can make to fight for their rights, hence it is imperative that the Dayak-based NGOs, educated Dayaks and community leaders attend.

"We will come up with a resolution to pressure the State government to recognise the Dayak customs of Pemakai Menoa and Pulau Galau as our NCR land," he said.

Lias also said DNC will apply to intervene in the appeal to the Federal Court by the State government.

Former Malaysian diplomat Datuk John Tenewi Nuek will open the forum while Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA) president Sidi Munan, to close it.

Among the speakers are Professor Dr Remy Bulan who will present a paper on NCR land and NCR land rights lawyer Paul Raja.