On 13 September 2008, the world will celebrate the first year anniversary of the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP). Over 370 million indigenous people in 70 countries are affected by this declaration which recognises our right to our distinct social, cultural, economic and political identities.
On Nov. 7, 2007, less than two months after the UN adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples, Bolivia became the first country in the world to adopt the declaration as law when Morales announced the passage of National Law 3760, or the Rights of Indigenous peoples, legislation that is an exact copy of the UN declaration. The Peru congress has repealed two legislative declarations that were in conflict with the rights contained in the DRIP.
In Malaysia, our struggles for recognition of land rights continue. Nonrecognition and uncertainty over our land contributes to our continuing poverty and inability to develop our lands. The government’s development policies are making decisions for our future without our free, prior and informed consent. Though our situations may differ in each state, we are united in our common struggle for recognition of our land, our rights and our identity.
So, for the first time, we as indigenous peoples are gathering together to present to the Supreme Authority of Malaysia, DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agung, a memorandum to urge the government to locally implement the DRIP and recognise our rights to land and to control, develop, and protect it for the benefit of our community and this nation.
On behalf of JOAS, we would like to invite our fellow indigenous peoples — Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia, Anak Negeri of Sabah and Dayaks and Orang Ulu of Sarawak to come with us on our walk to the Royal Palace. We also invite friends and supporters from civil society, environmental and human rights advocates and those who believe that our place as indigenous peoples within Malaysia needs to be recognised and reaffirmed by the Government and authorities to come with us on a Saturday morning walk and observe this historic event.
We will be gathering at Central Market on 13 September, Saturday and start walking toward the Royal Palace by 10am. For more information, please contact joasmalaysia@gmail.com, seanrubis@hotmail.com or call Sean at 0128837937.
su
September 12, 2008
There are so many walks and talks and forums and gatherings that I’m missing.
But Michelle Yoon will join them in their walk, albeit with only her heart.
lpplmala
September 12, 2008
Acoording Malaysiakini RPK is arrested under ISA
mauryaII
September 12, 2008
Dear Haris,
Has the PDRM given the green light for this peaceful walk? Or is there a possibility that innocent people would be at the mercy of the blue boys?
I am all for the walk and will be there to give moral support.
future Malaysia
September 12, 2008
These Indigenous Peoples are the real bumiputras of Malaysia yet they have to endure such degrading treatment from the so-called non-immigrants heirs of the land like the BB chief and his type.
It is worse in Sarawak and Sabah.
Racheljansz
September 12, 2008
Got permit?
bangmalaysia
September 12, 2008
ALERT: They took RPK away under ISA
http://bangmalaysia.wordpress.com/2008/09/12/they-took-our-beloved-rpk-under-isa/
Maverick
September 12, 2008
Fairdinkum ,
what about the Aboroginal land rights for I am from the Wiratdjuri Tribe in Canberra.
langkau fiction
September 12, 2008
Just got a call from a friend saying that the police did not approve their permit. Now, they’re discussing whether to continue with the march tomorrow.
the other view
September 12, 2008
The only thing Malaysia remembers her indigenous peoples is when their forests are raped, the rivers which they depend for their fishes are polluted and the environment which they are accustomed is destroyed. That is what ‘Malaysia Boleh’ is about. Or ‘Syabas Malaysia’.
Sean Rubis
September 12, 2008
Dear all,
Thank you for your support. This afternoon we have been informed that the police have refused to grant us a permit. We are currently appealing the decision as DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agung has agreed to receive our memorandum. Because of this, we will proceed as planned, to walk in our traditional attire to the palace to emphasise our pride as indigenous peoples, with a distinct culture and identity and with rights of self-determination and to our customary land.
Tomorrow is a big day for indigenous peoples all over the world. It is the first anniversary of the UN-Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the outcome of a 22-year struggle across the world to recognise our rights. The struggle is to now get the government, both at the federal and the state levels, to commit to implementing the rights it has promised us.
Agi idup, Agi ngelaban.
yapsir
September 12, 2008
People of Malaysia,if you and I can’t joint them in the walk.Please atleast pray for them.(I really hope I could)
Just give them the support through this site.
Thanks to Bro.Harris,please tell the Asli brothers and sisters,we care too.
Free RPK!
Hidup Malaysia Day!916
Ravikumar
September 13, 2008
The men in blue stopped their march.
😦