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Measures under Nizar must continue

By Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan

February 11, 2009

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 Nizar’s administration in Perak, many significant steps forward were taken on issues that affect the Orang Asli and other underprivileged and marginalised groups.


Indigienous peoples at a 13 Sept 2008 gathering organised in conjunction with the first anniversary
of the signing of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

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 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were pleased to be part of. Issues that had remained outstanding for many years saw quick resolution in the last 10 months in Perak under Nizar’s administration.

They include the following:

  • As menteri besar, Nizar cancelled all logging and plantation activities in Orang Asli settlements around Gopeng that affected more than 2,000 Orang Asli.
  • State exco and assemblyperson A 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 comprised two tiers. The second tier was exclusively managed by the Orang Asli communities themselves, and meeting halls in the state secretariat building were provided to the Orang Asli for their use.
  • The administration commissioned a special Orang Asli officer for the state of Perak whose function was 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 was held. For example, public opinion was sought in relation to the proposed development of Yau Tet Shin Market.
  • Both Malay and Chinese [Malaysian] 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 proactive in relation to issues that concern the Orang Asli, the marginalised and the underprivileged.

Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan
President
Malaysian Bar
11 Feb 2009

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Filed Under: Letters to the Editor Tagged With: Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Datuk Seri Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin, letter to the editor, Malaysian bar, Perak, president

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. achoo! says

    February 11, 2009 at 4:31 pm

    It is funny, but these seem like some of the reasons some in Umno might want Nizar and the Pakatan government removed.

  2. syauqi_x says

    February 11, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    Yup, I agree with you achoo

    Oo, ada kaitan dengan balak ke?

    A lot balak taukes (Umno’s lifeline) must have hated Nizar’s administration.

    His removal will pave their way into Perak’s forest once again.

    They will definitely smile over this, and so with their master @ Umno.

  3. Nang says

    February 11, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    It’s a habit in Malaysia to try to remove ‘GOOD LEADER’ and replace the position with ‘CORRUPTED LEADER’…

  4. Supporterdisadvantagegp says

    February 11, 2009 at 10:16 pm

    A good leader thinks of the disadvantaged group whilst a bad one takes advantage of them.

    MB Nizar clearly goes beyond social class, race and religion to ensure that the disadvantaged groups are not left out in the development process but also protects and nurtures them in order that they can become important members of society.

    Clearly MB Nizar and CM Lim Guan Eng are a class above the rest and with these young and enterprising leaders, the rakyat can benefit from their good governance , policies and actions.

    Leaders or groups who take advantage of disadvantaged groups have no place in our society.

  5. Perak Voter says

    February 12, 2009 at 1:51 am

    MB Nizar has achieved what UMNO could NEVER do in a few life times.

  6. Squartersland says

    February 12, 2009 at 8:54 am

    YB Nizar is the real statesman in all aspects. We need a leader like you. Salute!

  7. frustrated malaysian says

    February 12, 2009 at 10:43 am

    I really appreciate what Datuk Ambiga has done to put in writing what current state administration under the leadership of Datuk Nizar has achieved within a short period of time. I said “current administration” because most of us do not recognise the BN-installed one. There will be a total change for the better, if all states are under Pakatan Rakyat including at national level. Let us work towards that direction in the coming GE.

  8. sgbertih says

    February 12, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    Datuk Ambiga pun sudah berpaling tadah !!!!
    Want to catch a ride on the winner, do you?
    What a 180 degrees U-Turn.

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