Despite the disappointing outcome at the Federal Court, Sarawakian natives involved in the case vowed to pursue for proper compensation of their law native customary rights (NCR) land through more lawsuits.

bakun ncr land case 080911 aging bato Aging Bato, son of one of the five plaintiff Baleh Naha Jalei longhouse chief Bato Bagi, said his father had asked followers to pursue the matter until it was resolved.

Bato is a instrumental figure in the important suit - dubbed the Bagi Bato case - which will have a impact on more than 100 similar cases that are pending. Bato, 78, died of leukemia two months ago.

“My father wanted us to strive hard over this issue. He wanted justice for the villagers in the longhouse,” he said, describing his father’s last words.

Looking teary-eyed after the judgment was read out, Aging said that his father had took up the case ten years ago for the welfare of the 78 families in the longhouse.

Tears gave way to anger

Another plaintiff Gajang Miden, 50, told reporters that he was sad and disappointed.

He said that with this decision, the affected families would become squatters on the land where they had lived for four generations.

NONE Gajang was visibly teary while the court delivered the judgment but this gave way to anger and frustration after the final ruling was made.

"I am sad, but I will not give up my struggle," said Adam Anyie, 60, another applicant.

Adam Anyie's 3.5 acre land was acquired for the development of Bakun hydroelectronic projects.

Some 20 affected longhouse residents, NGO members and their supporters held a brief protest after the judgment was delivered.

The crowd held a banner which read “Rights to customary land = rights to life”.

 

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