4 1.8 Chapter 1 | BACKGROUND TO THE NATIONAL INQUIRY The Panel was assisted by a line of independent consultants who were selected by the Commission based on their wide knowledge, experience and expertise in the field of indigenous rights. The independent consultants were: • Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Simon Sipaun (for Sabah) • Dato’ Ranita Mohd Hussein (for Sarawak) • Mr Andrew Khoo (for Sarawak) • Dato’ Dr Denison Jayasooria (for Peninsular Malaysia) • Dr Colin Nicholas (for Peninsular Malaysia) PROCEDURE OF THE NATIONAL INQUIRY 1.9 The National Inquiry (hereafter called the ‘Inquiry’) is committed to a cooperative and responsive approach to developing solutions to land problems of indigenous peoples. It involved a range of stakeholders, including Government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), indigenous communities, private companies, and other interested groups and individuals, to identify and develop practical solutions that will yield improvements to the status of land ownership of the indigenous peoples of Malaysia. 1.10 The Inquiry started with introductory sessions followed by public consultations with stakeholders. Throughout the same period, the Inquiry also called for written public submissions. Subsequently public hearings were conducted to hear selected cases from the consultations and submissions. The Inquiry also commissioned studies into the land rights of the indigenous peoples to be conducted in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. This Report records the issues derived from the NI process and contains the NI findings, conclusions and recommendations taking into account complaints and responses to those complaints, and studies and submissions from independent sources. Introductory Sessions 1.11 To ensure that all stakeholders understand the true intention of the Commission, appreciate the Terms of Reference, and participate actively in the process of the Inquiry, the Commission held a series of introductory sessions in the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak. 1.12 At those sessions, the participants were informed of the objectives of the Inquiry and what was to be expected of it. Invitations for stakeholders’ continuous participations in the other Inquiry process were also made. Research 1.13 To support the process of the Inquiry, the Commission appointed researchers to undertake in-depth study into the land rights of the indigenous peoples. Researchers, based in the University of Malaya, University Malaysia Sabah and University Malaysia Sarawak, were appointed to conduct field studies and GIS mapping into indigenous land conflicts in selected cases in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak respectively. Alongside these studies, a research into the conceptual and legal framework of indigenous peoples’ land ownership in Malaysia was also carried out. This research reviewed applicable laws and procedures involving indigenous peoples’ land based on international standards and principles. The research reports are available in the Annex. Public Submissions 1.14 To ensure that all stakeholders were given equal opportunity to participate in the Inquiry, the Commission opened a submission process. Key Government departments and agencies, indigenous peoples organisations and NGOs were invited to send in views on matters pertinent chapter 1_a4.indd 4 7/5/13 6:42 PM