By Tan Sri Hasmy Agam
The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (the Commission) views with great concern and disquiet over the recent statements reportedly made by the Sabah Attorney-General that the Sabah Land Ordinance (SLO) that came into force in 1930 does not allow for the creation of fresh Native Customary Rights (NCR) to land in Sabah. According to the Sabah Attorney-General, there is no provision in the SLO for natives to go into occupation of land after 1930 and claiming NCR on it, which clearly contradicts the position that NCR to land is a fundamental right of indigenous communities guaranteed under our Federal Constitution.

