23 April 2009

The Indigenous Peoples network of Malaysia (JOAS) would like to congratulate Sagong Tasi and his community for their victory in having one of four defendants drop their appeal. JOAS would also like to thank the Selangor Menteri Besar and his government for delivering on their election promise and seeking a collaborative relationship with Orang Asli communities in the state.

Made on one of the many Earth days of our planet, this decision is important to indigenous peoples because it shows that political will is key to upholding the rights of indigenous peoples.

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP) recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples to their lands, territories and resources. This declaration was adopted by the United Nations in recognition of the historic injustices suffered by indigenous peoples throughout the world. Over 140 nations, including Malaysia voted to adopt this declaration and these Parties have an obligation to implement the rights within their countries.

JOAS notes that Sagong Tasi and the Selangor state are the two primary claimants to the land. With the withdrawal of the Selangor state, JOAS hopes that the other defendants will follow the logical course of action and similarly withdraw their appeal. In doing so, the Federal Government will also reaffirm its support for the UNDRIP and show that support for indigenous peoples, who are also bumiputera, is not a partisan position.

Sagong Tasi and his people have spent eight years in court waiting for justice. Indigenous peoples throughout Malaysia spend similar years waiting for courts and governments to deliver similar justice. Some of the original claimants have died while waiting. This wait is taxing on our peoples and further marginalizes us and our right to self-determined development.

We call upon the Federal Government and other state governments to follow the example of the Selangor government and study the concerns and decisions of the courts instead of further appealing. We especially appeal to the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak to uphold rights for natives that are recognized and enshrined in the state constitutions instead of limiting them to push through a political vision that rewards only corporations and political cronies.

Adrian Lasimbang

President

Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia

JARINGAN ORANG ASAL SEMALAYSIA

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES NETWORK OF MALAYSIA

Lot 5, 1st Floor, Block M • Donggongon • 89500 Penampang, Sabah

Mailing address: P.O. Box 511 • 89507 Penampang, Sabah, Malaysia

Tel: +6088 726413 • Fax: +6088 718669 • Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it