Page 102 - PH Manifesto English

Promise 48: To return and guarantee the right of customary

land of the people of Sabah and Sarawak

The ruling government has failed to ensure the protection and legal

rights of customary land in Sarawak and Sabah. The people’s customary

land was sold or leased at very low prices to logging companies and

developers of oil palm estates.

To improve their native land rights, Pakatan Harapan Government will

implement the recommendations in the National Inquiry Report on the

Rights of Indigenous Peoples as outlined in the SUHAKAM report.

In the event a customary land has been appropriated, the Pakatan Harapan

Government will establish a redress mechanism to ensure the affected party

is adequately compensated.

The new Government will enhance the role and functions of Land

Department role to properly conduct perimeter studies. Funds will be

provided to carry out a complete study which can accurately identify the

customary land boundaries.

A Special Land Tribunal will be established immediately to resolve disputes

over land rights and boundaries of customary land and settlement of

overdue cases.

Development undertaken in the Orang Asli areas must be in accordance

with sustainable and environmentally friendly models, taking into account

socio-cultural factors of surrounding communities, and it must enlist the

active participation of indigenous people.

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