A debate on the merits of development over preservation of native lifestyle took centre stage at the Federal Court today, as Chief Justice Zaki Azmi argued that Sarawak's natives need to be taken out of the jungle to enjoy development like other Malaysians.
While listening to submissions from counsel Sulaiman Abdullah - who is representing Bato Bagi and Jalang Paran in seeking redress for the loss of their native customary rights (NCR) land - Zaki noted that the interests of the majority should get higher priority over the minority.
Zaki (left) said that out of the tens of thousands of natives who had to relocate because of the Bakun hydroelectric dam project and a proposed pulp mill, only a handful have decided to formally challenge the government's takeover of their land.
"I'd say it's only the NGOs who want to leave the natives in the jungle," he said, arguing that the nation must come before individuals.
[More to follow]
While listening to submissions from counsel Sulaiman Abdullah - who is representing Bato Bagi and Jalang Paran in seeking redress for the loss of their native customary rights (NCR) land - Zaki noted that the interests of the majority should get higher priority over the minority.
Zaki (left) said that out of the tens of thousands of natives who had to relocate because of the Bakun hydroelectric dam project and a proposed pulp mill, only a handful have decided to formally challenge the government's takeover of their land.
"I'd say it's only the NGOs who want to leave the natives in the jungle," he said, arguing that the nation must come before individuals.
[More to follow]
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