Angeh, however, confirmed that financial incentives were involved in the conversion of Orang Asli. He claimed that Saidon and Sharifudin told him that if he was married, he would receive the RM1,000 allocated for a Muslim couple.
According to his story, Angeh, then 18, agreed to marry his 20-something-year-old bride, Wak Chin. He said they were brought to Tambun, Perak and married together with nine other couples.
His wife had to convert to Islam as well to get married. "Her Muslim name is Aminah," Angeh said.
However, Angeh claimed he and his wife did not receive any money after their wedding.
He further claimed that Saidon had also told him that as a Muslim, he would be able to get a job at the Gombak Hospital. However, this never materialised, and today Angeh works as a grass cutter.
<Read>
Showing posts with label orang asli. Show all posts
Showing posts with label orang asli. Show all posts
HRH Sultan Selangor on preservation of orang asli land
“In the last few years, the orang asli community has undergone an erosion
of identity and it is time their rights be returned to them with the resolution
of their land problems.
“I want to stress the need to acknowledge and preserve orang asli land
which had been seized from them in the last few years,” said the Sultan.
Sultan Sharafuddin also urged the state government to expedite the
identification and gazetting of orang asli land.
“They should be given the land which is rightfully
theirs,” he added.
What a breath of fresh air. ( Read here) I hope the other sultans and Raja ( the white hair rajah of Sarawak) would take a leaf from HRH. Can we, the lesser beings and certainly the even lesser beings of Orang Asal's ( sorry, but the fact that they are not given their rightful land, continously loosing lands via court and logging companies etc. ) ... would dare to hope that there will be a real progress towards granting real rights to those that deserves it.
Finally, PR government reaches out to Orang Asli
One of the commitments is to now expedite the process of dealing with the
stalemate of Orang Asli land in Selangor. One of the great things the Pakatan
Rakyat government in Perak did was to form an Orang Asli Taskforce,
headed and led by Orang Asli themselves. They would then deal with
these problems and report it to the Exco. This was applauded by many.
Read more:Dialogue between Selangor and the Orang Asli
Till Jabatan Hal Ehwal Orang Asli is headed and led by the Orang Asli, they will continue to be marginalized and subjected to the demands of the officials. Why build Mosques in kampung when they need plain water? And more importantly, their rights to their land.
Orang Asal more protected under Pakatan
I do know that the current Selangor government is also trying very hard to look out for the orang asli rights in Selangor. This is consistent with Perak. I would not put my money on UMNO to take care on the land rights of the minorities in Perak.
http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/press_statements/letter_to_the_editor_protection_of_the_rights_of_the_underprivileged_must_continue.html
The shocking display of vitriol against Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin of Perak by certain groups claiming to advance patriotism in Perak, is a disconcerting trend.In a modern and robust democracy such as we claim to be, threats against those who hold different views, seek to enforce their legal rights or seek to challenge authority in a court of law are seriously misplaced. We cannot, on the one hand, claim to be a modern democracy that respects dissenting views and, on the other, ask for archaic modes of “punishment” (like chasing someone out of the State) for holding those views.
It is also necessary to remember that under Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin’s Administration in Perak, many significant steps forward were taken on issues that affect the Orang Asli and other underprivileged and marginalised groups. I write this piece to put on record what I believe to be the most significant events from a human rights perspective: events that members of the Malaysian Bar and other NGOs were pleased to be part of. These issues that had remained outstanding for many years saw quick resolution in the last 10 months in Perak.
They include the following:
• As Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin cancelled all logging and plantation activities in Orang Asli settlements around Gopeng that were affecting more than 2000 Orang Asli.
• YB Sivanesan announced the return of approximately 400 acres of Orang Asli ancestral land to the Orang Asli that had been earmarked for logging activities by the previous government in Mukim Teja near Gopeng.
• The State Government announced the return of approximately 500 acres of Orang Asli ancestral land to the Orang Asli of Kampung Chang Sungai Gepai in Bidor, which had been earmarked for a Botanical Garden by the previous government.
• A special task force on Orang Asli land rights was set up to formally recognise all Orang Asli customary land in Perak. The task force committee comprises two tiers. The second tier is exclusively managed by the Orang Asli communities themselves, and meeting halls in the State Secretariat building are provided to the Orang Asli for their use.
• The Administration commissioned a special Orang Asli Officer for the state of Perak whose function is to resolve all problems of the Orang Asli within the state.
• A series of consultations with the public and NGOs on development activities in Ipoh has been held. For example, public opinion was sought in relation to the proposed development of Yau Tet Shin Market.
• Both Malay and Chinese residents of new villages and Kampung Tersusun are now being granted permanent land titles in stages.The Malaysian Bar must put these events on record as we have worked for years on some of these issues and were happy to see positive results achieved in a short span of time. We hope that the same importance will be given to these matters and that they will continue to progress without delay. In fact, we call on all State Governments to be pro-active in relation to issues that concern the Orang Asli, the marginalised and the underprivileged.
Dato’ Ambiga SreenevasanPresident, Malaysian Bar11 February 2009
http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/press_statements/letter_to_the_editor_protection_of_the_rights_of_the_underprivileged_must_continue.html
The shocking display of vitriol against Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin of Perak by certain groups claiming to advance patriotism in Perak, is a disconcerting trend.In a modern and robust democracy such as we claim to be, threats against those who hold different views, seek to enforce their legal rights or seek to challenge authority in a court of law are seriously misplaced. We cannot, on the one hand, claim to be a modern democracy that respects dissenting views and, on the other, ask for archaic modes of “punishment” (like chasing someone out of the State) for holding those views.
It is also necessary to remember that under Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin’s Administration in Perak, many significant steps forward were taken on issues that affect the Orang Asli and other underprivileged and marginalised groups. I write this piece to put on record what I believe to be the most significant events from a human rights perspective: events that members of the Malaysian Bar and other NGOs were pleased to be part of. These issues that had remained outstanding for many years saw quick resolution in the last 10 months in Perak.
They include the following:
• As Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin cancelled all logging and plantation activities in Orang Asli settlements around Gopeng that were affecting more than 2000 Orang Asli.
• YB Sivanesan announced the return of approximately 400 acres of Orang Asli ancestral land to the Orang Asli that had been earmarked for logging activities by the previous government in Mukim Teja near Gopeng.
• The State Government announced the return of approximately 500 acres of Orang Asli ancestral land to the Orang Asli of Kampung Chang Sungai Gepai in Bidor, which had been earmarked for a Botanical Garden by the previous government.
• A special task force on Orang Asli land rights was set up to formally recognise all Orang Asli customary land in Perak. The task force committee comprises two tiers. The second tier is exclusively managed by the Orang Asli communities themselves, and meeting halls in the State Secretariat building are provided to the Orang Asli for their use.
• The Administration commissioned a special Orang Asli Officer for the state of Perak whose function is to resolve all problems of the Orang Asli within the state.
• A series of consultations with the public and NGOs on development activities in Ipoh has been held. For example, public opinion was sought in relation to the proposed development of Yau Tet Shin Market.
• Both Malay and Chinese residents of new villages and Kampung Tersusun are now being granted permanent land titles in stages.The Malaysian Bar must put these events on record as we have worked for years on some of these issues and were happy to see positive results achieved in a short span of time. We hope that the same importance will be given to these matters and that they will continue to progress without delay. In fact, we call on all State Governments to be pro-active in relation to issues that concern the Orang Asli, the marginalised and the underprivileged.
Dato’ Ambiga SreenevasanPresident, Malaysian Bar11 February 2009
Iban land activists detained for ‘gang robbery’
Tony Thien Jan 23, 09 11:46am
Source: Malaysiakini
Three Ibans, actively involved in a struggle to keep a plantation company out of their Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, have been detained under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 for suspected gang robbery.
The three are members a longhouse chief’s family and include a young mother.
They are presently being held in a police station in Bintulu. Under the ordinance they can be detained for up to 60 days while police continue with investigations.
In an appeal letter to the inspector-general of police and other relevant authorities, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president, S.M. Mohamed Idris, called on the authorities to immediately release the trio - Bunya Ak Sengoh, Marai ak Sengoh and Melati Ak Bekeni - if the police do not have any strong evidence against them.
“We regard their arrest under the emergency ordinance as strange and against human rights. It is an action that is most unfair and injust.
Land dispute with BBC Estate VII
“As far as we are aware, such emergency laws should only apply to illegal activities and serious crime that threaten national security and peace,” he added in the letter made available today by SAM Sarawak Co-ordinator Jok Jau.
Jok Jau told Malaysiakini that initially seven, including a child, were picked up by police near their house in Batu Lapan in Bintulu on Dec 26, 2008 following a report of a gang robbery in town.
Three other people, believed to be foreigners, were also arrested separately.
Among the Ibans arrested on Boxing Day and remanded in police custody were Bunya Ak Sengoh, Marai Ak Sengoh, Elizabeth Ak Sebi, Melati Ak Bekeni, Roland Ak Jau, Spencer Ak Jampi and Victoria Gundu Ak Marai.
“Until today, the police have failed to find any evidence to charge them. We find no reason for the arrest,” the Marudi-based SAM co-ordinator said.
He said Spencer was released on Jan 7, Roland and Elizabeth were released on Jan 14 but Bunya, Marai and Melati were re-arrested on Jan 15 under the emergency ordinance.
Tuai Rumah Sengoh from Sg Pinyo, Pandan in Kemena and his people have been actively defending their NCR land from encroachment by a plantation company. The case has also gone to court.
Call for probe into detention of trio
The Iban chief is the father of Bunya and Marai and Melati is his daughter-in-law.
“Sengoh has a land dispute with BBC Estate VII Sdn Bhd at 8th Mile Bintulu Road,” Jok Jau said.
Meanwhile, in his appeal letter to the Malaysian human rights organisation, Suhakam, Tuai Rumah Sengoh Ak Sabang called on Suhakam to conduct an immediate investigation into the detention of the trio under the emergency ordinance. It was done without any justification whatsoever, he added.
He said they were initially held under Section 117 of the Penal Code from Dec 26, 2008 until Jan 14, 2009 on suspicion of being involved in a series of gang robberies in Bintulu and other places.
On January 15, 2009, the trio were detained under the emergency ordinance while the rest were released on police bail.
He denied any member of the family had been involved in any of the activities as alleged and that he believed the action against his family members had resulted from the many reports he had made to the police regarding the encroachment into their NCR land by the plantation company.
My view:
The police is not being fair to the people affected by the big companies. Are the companies paying their salaries?
Tony Thien Jan 23, 09 11:46am
Source: Malaysiakini
Three Ibans, actively involved in a struggle to keep a plantation company out of their Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, have been detained under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 for suspected gang robbery.
The three are members a longhouse chief’s family and include a young mother.
They are presently being held in a police station in Bintulu. Under the ordinance they can be detained for up to 60 days while police continue with investigations.
In an appeal letter to the inspector-general of police and other relevant authorities, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president, S.M. Mohamed Idris, called on the authorities to immediately release the trio - Bunya Ak Sengoh, Marai ak Sengoh and Melati Ak Bekeni - if the police do not have any strong evidence against them.
“We regard their arrest under the emergency ordinance as strange and against human rights. It is an action that is most unfair and injust.
Land dispute with BBC Estate VII
“As far as we are aware, such emergency laws should only apply to illegal activities and serious crime that threaten national security and peace,” he added in the letter made available today by SAM Sarawak Co-ordinator Jok Jau.
Jok Jau told Malaysiakini that initially seven, including a child, were picked up by police near their house in Batu Lapan in Bintulu on Dec 26, 2008 following a report of a gang robbery in town.
Three other people, believed to be foreigners, were also arrested separately.
Among the Ibans arrested on Boxing Day and remanded in police custody were Bunya Ak Sengoh, Marai Ak Sengoh, Elizabeth Ak Sebi, Melati Ak Bekeni, Roland Ak Jau, Spencer Ak Jampi and Victoria Gundu Ak Marai.
“Until today, the police have failed to find any evidence to charge them. We find no reason for the arrest,” the Marudi-based SAM co-ordinator said.
He said Spencer was released on Jan 7, Roland and Elizabeth were released on Jan 14 but Bunya, Marai and Melati were re-arrested on Jan 15 under the emergency ordinance.
Tuai Rumah Sengoh from Sg Pinyo, Pandan in Kemena and his people have been actively defending their NCR land from encroachment by a plantation company. The case has also gone to court.
Call for probe into detention of trio
The Iban chief is the father of Bunya and Marai and Melati is his daughter-in-law.
“Sengoh has a land dispute with BBC Estate VII Sdn Bhd at 8th Mile Bintulu Road,” Jok Jau said.
Meanwhile, in his appeal letter to the Malaysian human rights organisation, Suhakam, Tuai Rumah Sengoh Ak Sabang called on Suhakam to conduct an immediate investigation into the detention of the trio under the emergency ordinance. It was done without any justification whatsoever, he added.
He said they were initially held under Section 117 of the Penal Code from Dec 26, 2008 until Jan 14, 2009 on suspicion of being involved in a series of gang robberies in Bintulu and other places.
On January 15, 2009, the trio were detained under the emergency ordinance while the rest were released on police bail.
He denied any member of the family had been involved in any of the activities as alleged and that he believed the action against his family members had resulted from the many reports he had made to the police regarding the encroachment into their NCR land by the plantation company.
My view:
The police is not being fair to the people affected by the big companies. Are the companies paying their salaries?
The rights of the aborigines.
The archaic ISA stole the show, but another important event happened on the 13th September 2008. We were invited to walk with the Orang Asli from Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak in solidarity for it is the first time that both divide grouped together to present a common front for their rights.
The morning started with a slew of policeman at Central Market.
.jpg)
We were helpless as we were not sure if the 'walkers' are goners? We played hide and seek with clothed and normally clothed policeman/ woman. .jpg)
After feeling harassed, we found out where the walkers are goarded. They were given and taken away the approval to make the walk. Imagine the frustration as different police officers gave affirmation and then took it back. On the night before, they were informed that the approval was declined. Upon appeal, they were given the green light to go ahead until another officer denied their rights when they started walking.
.jpg)
At the block behind central market, the police were heard shouting along with the group. They finally back out since it was a private area.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
The gathering was electrifying and their needs are real. Being bumiputras in their own rights and land, it is a disgrace that the government denied them to right to see the King on the premise that the 'political situation is not right". Who asked the police to capture people using ISA on the first place?
The morning started with a slew of policeman at Central Market.
.jpg)
We were helpless as we were not sure if the 'walkers' are goners? We played hide and seek with clothed and normally clothed policeman/ woman. After feeling harassed, we found out where the walkers are goarded. They were given and taken away the approval to make the walk. Imagine the frustration as different police officers gave affirmation and then took it back. On the night before, they were informed that the approval was declined. Upon appeal, they were given the green light to go ahead until another officer denied their rights when they started walking.
.jpg)
At the block behind central market, the police were heard shouting along with the group. They finally back out since it was a private area.
.jpg)
.jpg)
The gathering was electrifying and their needs are real. Being bumiputras in their own rights and land, it is a disgrace that the government denied them to right to see the King on the premise that the 'political situation is not right". Who asked the police to capture people using ISA on the first place?
Invitation to Walk with the Indigenous People
On 13 September 2008, the world will celebrate the first year anniversary of the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP). Over 370 million indigenous people in 70 countries are affected by this declaration which recognises our right to our distinct social, cultural, economic and political identities.
On Nov. 7, 2007, less than two months after the UN adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, Bolivia became the first country in the world to adopt the declaration as law when Morales announced the passage of National Law 3760, or the Rights of Indigenous peoples, legislation that is an exact copy of the UN declaration. The Peru congress has repealed two legislative declarations that were in conflict with the rights contained in the DRIP.
In Malaysia, our struggles for recognition of land rights continue. Nonrecognition and uncertainty over our land contributes to our continuing poverty and inability to develop our lands. The government’s development policies are making decisions for our future without our free, prior and informed consent. Though our situations may differ in each state, we are united in our common struggle for recognition of our land, our rights and our identity.
So, for the first time, we as indigenous peoples are gathering together to present to the Supreme Authority of Malaysia, DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agung, a memorandum to urge the government to locally implement the DRIP and recognise our rights to land and to control, develop, and protect it for the benefit of our community and this nation.
On behalf of JOAS, we would like to invite our fellow indigenous peoples — Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia, Anak Negeri of Sabah and Dayaks and Orang Ulu of Sarawak to come with us on our walk to the Royal Palace. We also invite friends and supporters from civil society, environmental and human rights advocates and those who believe that our place as indigenous peoples within Malaysia needs to be recognised and reaffirmed by the Government and authorities to come with us on a Saturday morning walk and observe this historic event.
We will be gathering at Central Market on 13 September, Saturday and start walking toward the Royal Palace by 10am. For more information, please contact http://us.mc527.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=joasmalaysia@gmail.com, http://us.mc527.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=seanrubis@hotmail.com or call Sean at 0128837937
From Haris Ibrahim's Blog . I will be there!
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- amoker
- Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
- I am mysterious ... and leave la some comments if my writting make sense. Proud Of Malaysia and disillusioned by the direction.