SUHAKAM’s NI report which was released on 5 August 2013, contained
extensive analysis of the information and data gathered through the NI process.
Based on its findings, the NI set forth six major recommendations that sought to
address the following areas:
•
recognition of indigenous customary right to land
•
recognition of native land as integral to the IP’s identity
•
remedies for the loss of native land
•
overcome land development imbalances
•
prevent future loss of native land
•
address land administration issues
In response, the Malaysian Cabinet has established a national task force and is
currently assessing the findings and recommendations of the NI Report.
(viii) Initiatives by NGOs
There are numerous NGOs in Malaysia that have, through their efforts, sought to
address and promote the rights of IP. For the purpose of this study, the following
highlights the activities of two NGOs, namely PACOS Trust and Jaringan Orang Asal
SeMalaysia (JAOS):
(a)
PACOS Trust’s Community Learning Centres (CLC)
The development and preservation of the cultural heritage of IP in Sabah has been
an important aspect of the work of Partners of Community Organisations in Sabah
(PACOS). PACOS is a community-based organisation dedicated to support the
indigenous communities in Sabah since 1993. 117 Their support in promoting the
IP’s practices and customs has impressed the local communities in many areas
especially in terms of the continuity of their culture, knowledge, tradition as well as
their heritage.
Nasiri Sabiah ‘Amalan Baik Bagi Mempromosi Dan Melindungi Hak Orang Orang Asal di Malaysia’ in Round
Table Discussion on The Good Practices to Promote and Protect The Rights of Indigenous People, 5 November
2012
117
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