government officials, private concessionaire personnel, as well as experts on native land studies were called before the Panel to give evidence in connection to each case. Literature review was also conducted on the background of the IP of Malaysia as well as existing domestic laws and international standards with respect to the IP’s land rights. The benefits coming out from the NI are manifold. Below are some of the indirect, yet positive outcomes, from the NI: • Awareness Raising The various procedures of the NI including the introductory sessions, public submissions, public consultations and public hearings that were held at the grassroots level throughout Malaysia, had led to greater awareness on the plight of IP among the stakeholders and also among the general public. The overwhelming publicity received on the NI had also enabled SUHAKAM to bring further to light at the national and international level, the problems the IP encounter with respect to their ancestral land. In addition, the NI was able to raise awareness amongst the IP about their right to land based on established international standards. • Participation and Consultation The NI was conducted in a manner that ensured, as much as possible, the participation and involvement of IP throughout the process. More specifically, various indigenous communities were consulted through the various procedures of the NI including the public submissions, public consultations and public hearings. • Identification of root problems Throughout the NI, SUHAKAM was able to identify the root problems and key issues relating to land rights of IP in the Country. These findings have served as the basis for SUHAKAM’s recommendations to relevant stakeholders to mitigate if not resolve the issues. 39