Abang Johari advocates for dialogue on indigenous issues

KUCHING (Aug 11): The Borneo Chapter of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Celebration 2024 serves as a platform to discuss issues affecting the indigenous people, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abang Johari asserted that through such discussions, the best resolutions can be created, which can serve as a guideline for planning development and welfare programmes for indigenous people in Malaysia.

“I trust that the participants of this event have the opportunity to discuss on main issues surrounding the indigenous peoples, such as land, education, health, economy, leadership, infrastructure and culture,” he added.

He said this in his text speech, read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, when officiating the event’s Cultural Night, held at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre (CEWC) in Jalan Stampin here last night.

Abang Johari emphasised that the government has never oppressed the indigenous people and infringed upon their rights.

He added that the government has made every effort to fulfil its responsibility to protect and defend the interests and rights of the indigenous people.

“The government recognises the roles and contributions of the indigenous people in the development of the country; economically, socially, culturally, and in terms of education.

“As such, the government continues to play its role to protect the rights of the indigenous people, as seen in the various initiatives and programmes that are being implemented, had been implemented and in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dayak National Congress (DNC) president Richard Lias said that this year’s celebration in Sarawak involved a total of 53 civil societies, organisations and bodies. Of these, 28 were from Sarawak, 5 from Sabah, 17 from Kalimantan, Indonesia, and three were international bodies.

He added that the event was held in Sabah last year; and for the next year’s edition, it will take place at Pelangka Raya in Central Kalimantan.

“In line with this year’s theme ‘The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge, we held a symposium yesterday featuring seven papers from different speakers. Three of the speakers were from Kalimantan, one from Sabah, and three from Sarawak.

“For this evening, we will be showcasing some of the cultural performances from different ethnic groups throughout Borneo – this showcase is about awareness, preservation and transmission of our rich cultures,” he added.

Also present at the event was Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who also represented the Sabah contingent for the event, Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen and Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol.