KUCHING: ‘An Anthology of Indigenous Peoples’ Issues’, is a book vital to create awareness and educating future generations on issues faced by indigenous groups around the world.
The book, edited by Dr Ramy Bulan and Charles Chow was published by a publisher Thomson Reuters Asia, was officiated at by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah, at the event, said that it is important to protect the rights and address issues faced by indigenous communities around the world and in Sarawak for our future generation.
In his speech, he hopes that through this book, more people will be able to learn from other jurisdictions and apply it to our local circumstances.
“For example, the discussion on issues of indigeneity and native identity, cultural heritage, the vitality of our adat (culture), the customary institution for resolving disputes and breaches of native law and customs.
“As well as the traditional and ecological knowledge that governs the customary practices of our people”, he said.
He added that through the book, the study was done with the primary objective of transforming the Native Courts to becoming independent and autonomous judicial institutions worthy of public trust, consistent with the aspirations and expectations of the State Government.
Earlier, Uggah was officiating at the launching of a book titled ‘Anthology of Indigenous People’s Issues’ at Pullman Hotel on Thursday (October 20).
He also added that the Land Code (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was passed by the State Legislative Assembly thanks to the collaborative efforts and cooperative discussions between community leaders through a series of dialogues and seminar sessions with the communities and the Sarawak GPS government.
“The Sarawak GPS government deemed it necessary to reinforce the protection of the customary practice of the natives through legislative reforms”, he said.
Present at the book launching was the Deputy Minister in the Premier Department, Datuk Gerawat Gala, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi Jugah, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, the Minister of Food Industry Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak; Parti Rakyat Sarawak president Datuk Joseph Salang and Girish Kamat the Country Head of Thompson Reuters.
