Steven Chen
Suhakam (Human Rights Commission of Malaysia) kicked-off its National Inquiry on the rights of indigenous people in Tenang, Segamat recently. The event was attended by some one hundred and fifty participants comprising mainly of the indigenous people within the district and as far as, Jerantut, Pahang.
Also present were representatives from non-governmental organisations and relevant government agencies like the Johor state land and mining department and the Indigenous People Affairs department.
The Suhakam organised National Inquiry was chaired by chairman, Hasmy Agam and assisted by commissioner Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah.
During the opening speech, Hasmy Agam briefed the participants on the objectives of the National Inquiry and what Suhakam hoped to achieve after the nationwide tour.
Komunitikini conducted an exclusive interview with Hasmy where he explained at length the roles, objectives and challenges of Suhakam.
The question and answer session started immediately after the opening speech. Several indigenous people representatives vocalised their long standing plights, hardships and unfair treatment from both the federal and state government.
They strongly urged Suhakam to make paramount efforts in assisting them to resolve their community problems especially matters pertaining the customary land rights issues.
Six complaint desks were set up to attend to and record complaints and grievances from the indigenous people.
Suhakam will be conducting another inquiry session in Parit Raja, Batu Pahat soon.
For more information, the public can log on to Suhakam’s official website at www.suhakam.org.my or email : [email protected]
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