The Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) is suggesting that a tribunal be set up to tackle issues and complaints on land claims by Orang Asli and Orang Asal (Original People) of this country.

The suggestion was among those proposed by Suhakam through the National Inquiry on Land Rights of Orang Asli/Orang Asal which was set up in June last year to gather findings on the issue.

NONE Suhakam commissioner-cum-committee member of the inquiry, Jannie Lasimbang ( right ), said the tribunal comprising former judges and experts on Orang Asli/Orang Asal rights and customs, had the power to decide on issues including finding a settlement and suitable judgment.

“For example, the issue of gazetting the land of Orang Asli/Orang Asal. From 1990 until 2010, only 20,670.83 hectares were gazetted as Orang Asli reserves.

“Meanwhile, 85,000 hectares are still pending as they are facing numerous issues such as overlapping ownerships,” she told reporters after tabling results of findings and suggestions by the National Inquiry Report on Land Rights of Orang Asli/Orang Asal in Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur today.     

The inquiry also suggested the upgrading of the Orang Asli Development Department as soon as possible following complaints of weaknesses in the agency.

The inquiry proposed the setting up of a source of funds, for the services of legal experts on land issues, to represent them in negotiations.

Jannie said the national inquiry report would be forwarded to the government latest next month.

“Orang Asli/Orang Asal make up 13.8 percent of the national populace. They are part of us and also contribute towards national development.

“We do not want the process of development taking place to continue to contravene their rights,” she added.

- Bernama