KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 27 — Sarawak Deputy Minister II Tan Sri James Masing chided a historian for allegedly presenting misleading information on Native Customary Rights (NCR), saying it could cause tension between the Dayak and Malay communities.
Masing who is also Parti Rakyat Sarawak president said the historian had failed to understand the history of the NCR land controversy, asserting that the lands were acquired by the Dayak forefathers through “blood, sweat and tears” and not given by the government as presented, The Borneo Post reported on its website today.
“His presentation on PMPG was misleading and could create animosity between the Dayaks and the Malays,” Masing was quoted saying, referring to the historian whose identity was not given in the news report.
PMPG is the abbreviation of the terms “pemakai menua” and “pulau galau”, which refer to territorial domain and communal forest reserves respectively. Under the Dayak customs, both are considered part of NCR land.
“As a historian, he should know his facts well. So we hope that he would correct his misconception about the Dayak NCR land issue,” Masing added.
He was also reported saying the Sarawak government is working to “correct the wrong” perception to ensure that NCR landowners will finally get their land titles.
He said the government will enact a comprehensive law, to be tabled in the next State Legislative Assembly in July.
