KUCHING: PBDS Baru has unveiled a seven-point manifesto for the Tanjong Datu by-election, focusing largely on Dayak rights. At the top of the list is restoring native customary rights (NCR) over "pemakai menoa (territorial domain)" and "pulau galau (communal forest reserves)". However, its candidate Rapelson Richard Hamit said he would fight for NCR on behalf of the Malays as well as the Dayak community in Tanjong Datu. "This doesn't only involve Dayak land but Malay land also," he told a press conference here Tuesday, adding that he knew of several NCR land cases in the constituency. Among others, the manifesto also calls for equal job opportunities in the civil service, equal education rights for the Dayaks and a Dayak chief minister.

Source: The Star February 07, 2017 09:31 UTC