Latest news with #FPIC
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
JATIKS calls for transparency, fair play in Borneo.TV implementation
JATIKS representative Andrew Ambrose (fourth from left) presented the letter of demand to Datuk Hj Mazlan Joe Manan, Special Officer to the Chief Minister at the lobby of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly. Also present were Chester Pang, President of SAFVA and representatives of Sabah creative activists. KOTA KINABALU (Jukly 7): The Sabah Creative Industry Action Committee (JATIKS) has urged the state government and those behind to ensure that the new streaming platform genuinely benefits local creative talents instead of sidelining them. JATIKS said that while it welcomes the launch of as an effort to promote Sabah's stories globally, the lack of proper industry engagement and clear guidelines has raised valid concerns among Sabah's 20,000 creative practitioners. 'First and foremost, we appreciate the launch of as an initiative to strengthen Sabah's presence on the global content stage. However, its implementation without comprehensive consultation has created gaps in structure and policy that threaten the sustainability of our creative ecosystem,' said JATIKS. JATIKS, in its letter of demand to the Chief Minister, pointed out that many Sabahan creative talents from theatre practitioners and buskers to social media influencers, still struggle to earn a living in their field, with about 90% forced to take on extra jobs in unrelated sectors. ' should be an opportunity to uplift local talent, not just a branding exercise,' JATIKS stressed. The group highlighted seven core issues they claim have yet to be addressed by and its appointed manager, IB Media Consultant Work Sdn Bhd. Among the concerns are a lack of transparency in the platform's structure, the absence of clear participation guidelines for local creators, and the failure to explain copyright, royalties and ownership rights. 'There is still no official information about who makes editorial decisions, how appointments are made, or how content creators can participate and be fairly compensated,' JATIKS said. The committee also criticised decision not to use local studios or existing production infrastructure, describing it as a blow to Sabah's technical workforce and creative economy. 'Statements that local studios won't be used ignore the crucial role of our existing facilities and skilled technical teams,' JATIKS noted. JATIKS further raised concerns about cultural representation, stressing that content involving Sabah's diverse traditions must be handled with respect and proper community consent. 'There is no mechanism to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for ethnic communities whose cultures are featured. This opens the door to cultural exploitation,' the committee said. Among its key demands, JATIKS called for the publication of the agreement between state-owned Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) and IB Media, an independent review of claimed benefits, the formation of a cultural panel to safeguard Sabah's heritage, and the creation of a dedicated state agency for the creative industry. 'The state government must be transparent about its actual action plan for strengthening Sabah's creative ecosystem — including developing studios, training facilities, grants and economic opportunities,' JATIKS said, adding that with only months left in the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 1.0 plan, industry players deserve clarity on what comes next. The committee also urged for TV Okey — a national channel originally created to amplify Bornean voices — to be revitalised as Sabah's main broadcast platform, with dedicated production centres and funding for local language content. 'Platforms like can succeed only if they are built on a supportive ecosystem — not just slogans, logos and announcements,' JATIKS said. 'We do not reject but we demand it be implemented fairly, transparently, and in a way that truly benefits Sabahans. This is our home, and we must protect it together.'
Focus Malaysia
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Focus Malaysia
Sabahan UN rep slams CM Hajiji govt over ‘Borneo.TV' launch, calls it cultural 'betrayal'
'THE Sabah state government's hasty launch of has come under fire from local indigenous cultural leaders with a United Nations (UN) representative accusing Chief Minister (CM) Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's administration of sidelining native voices and undermining Borneo's cultural sovereignty. Launched on July 1 at Menara Kinabalu and developed by Kuala Lumpur-based IB Media Consultant Sdn Bhd, the television channel was allegedly rolled out without any consultation with Sabah's indigenous artists and cultural stakeholders. 'For years, the state has neglected the cultural rights of indigenous artists, singers and songwriters, leaving their creative economies and heritage unsupported,' fumed UN permanent representative for the Dayak International Organisation Datuk Petinggi Andrew Ambrose Atama Katama. 'I fully endorse SAFVA's (Sabah Film and Visual Association) opposition to the lack of consultation … As cultural conscious Borneans, we must resist this erosion of our identity by ending all forms of cultural exploitation.' A pioneering KadazanDusun-English hip-hop artist, Atama Katama further claimed that the deal between the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Secretariat and IB Media violated both international norms and indigenous rights, including the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principle under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He also expressed concern over the use of the name 'Borneo' in a platform owned by TV Al Hijrah president/CEO Datuk Izelan Basar by stating that it 'raises serious concerns about cultural appropriation'. MACC's intervention sought Prominent Sabahan artist Yee I-Lan echoed the sentiment by warning in a Facebook post that ' owned by a non-Bornean Malayan religious content figure with limited media experience, smacks of neo-colonialism'. Criticism was also extended to the annual Borneo Native Festival (BNF), held in Kuala Lumpur. Sarawakian activist Peter John Jaban claimed that the festival romanticised Bornean identity for a Peninsular audience while offering little support or recognition to local experts like his GOASS cultural group. While the SMJ Secretariat has claimed that was privately funded, this has done little to dispel concerns. Atama Katama argued that the station absolved the state of responsibility and only handed Sabah's cultural narrative to 'rent-seeking executives' while making the Sabah CM who was a former radio announcer 'utterly compromised'. On this note, Atama Katama called on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the 'opaque' agreement behind He also insisted that the Sabah State Ministry immediately uphold the cultural rights of indigenous communities while urging full FPIC and meaningful engagement with local creative artisans. Above all else, Atama Katama further demanded that the SMJ Secretariat publish a clear policy on cultural appropriation and take steps to prevent misuse of the term 'Borneo' by private entities. 'Our cultural heritage is sacred and must not be exploited, particularly for religious purposes,' he added. – July 4, 2-2025 Main image credit: Hajiji Hajo Noor/Facebook
Scoop
31-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New African Development Bank President Has A Chance To Shift The Continent To Clean Energy, For And By Communities
29 May 2025, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The African continent is on the frontlines of the climate crisis, but the election of Sidi Ould Tah as the new president for the African Development Bank is an opportunity to pave a new path for the continent's energy future - to shift toward a just and transformative approach to energy access, one that harnesses Africa's vast renewable resources and affirms the rights, dignity, and agency of its people. As the debt crisis reaches new heights for the continent, scaling up grant-based, concessional funding is vital to ensure countries are financially able to pursue a clean energy transition that is just, equitable, people-centred, and democratically governed. Now is the time for transformative public finance models which serve the people of Africa, not fossil fuel interests. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, investment in Africa's renewable energy is 'the economic opportunity of the century.' With 60% of the world's best solar resources and wind potential capable of powering the continent 250 times over, Africa is uniquely positioned to lead. It's time for President Sidi Ould Tah to close the gap for the 600 million people who remain without electricity and over 970 million that lack access to clean cooking. Accelerating the adoption of decentralised, community-based renewable energy is not just a technical fix, it is a transformative, justice-driven solution which makes the most economic sense. It can empower local ownership, enhance resilience, create jobs, develop local economies, and reduce dependence on expensive, unreliable, and centralised energy infrastructure. Civil society demands for the President Sidi Ould Tah are: A comprehensive ban on fossil fuel financing by the AfDB, including gas, and rejection of false solutions such as destructive hydropower, carbon capture, usage and storage, and hydrogen for export. A roadmap to 100% renewable energy systems that prioritises decentralised solutions and enables Africa to become a leader in green industrialisation and energy sovereignty. A just transition approach that avoids creating new debt traps and includes local communities in all decision-making through Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). Karabo Mokgonyana, Just Transition Campaigner from Power Shift Africa, 'The election of Dr. Sidi Ould Tah as President of the African Development Bank marks a critical moment for Africa's energy future. With over 600 million people still living without electricity, just 2% of global clean energy investment reaching the continent, and vast untapped solar and wind potential, the urgency for action could not be clearer. We call on the new President to make renewable energy the cornerstone of his leadership, to drive a just, equitable, and homegrown energy transition that rejects harmful fossil fuels and embraces Africa's immense clean energy promise. These AfDB Annual Meetings have shown us that progress is possible. Now, with bold leadership and renewed clarity, we must turn possibility into power - for every home, every enterprise, and every generation to come.' Fiza Naz Qureshi, Gas Campaigner from Big Shift Global Campaign, said, "With the election of the new President, Sidi Ould Tah, civil society calls for bold leadership that breaks from fossil fuel dependency. Continued support for gas — including through Mission 300 and clean cooking initiatives — risks locking communities, especially women, into harmful energy systems. Women and frontline communities suffer most from extractive projects and weak safeguards. Under new leadership, the AfDB must champion a just energy transition rooted in truly clean, renewable solutions that uplift women, protect people and ecosystems, and fulfill Africa's climate commitments. Africa's future lies in leapfrogging fossil fuels - not repeating their mistakes.' Gloria Kafui Kuzo, Lead on Energy Transition, from Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND) Ghana said, "Africa's innovation landscape holds immense potential to drive sustainable transformation, and AfDB has a pivotal role in shaping it. We urge that innovation across the continent be driven by solutions that harness Africa's green, resilient human and natural capital. This must be pursued through an inclusive approach that ensures women, youth, and local communities are not merely passive beneficiaries, but empowered as active participants and leaders in the innovation ecosystem. By aligning sustainability with equity and inclusion, AfDB can help catalyze transformative growth that is not only impactful but enduring for all Africans". Mamadou Barry, Executive Director, from Action Solidaire International said, 'While we welcome the ambition of Mission 300 by the AfDB and the World Bank, we firmly call for it to fully exclude fossil fuels like gas. To truly deliver for communities, strong safeguards must be established to prevent the private sector from capturing the benefits at the expense of those most affected — especially women and frontline communities.' Anja Gebel, Policy Advisor for Development Banks and Climate at Germanwatch said: 'In difficult geopolitical times, when climate action is facing headwinds, the new President must keep the African Development Bank on course for climate action. It is important that he honours and continues to implement the bank's Paris alignment commitment. Shareholders should actively support him in this mission and make clear that a just and climate-compatible energy transition is an integral part of Africa's development.' Rajneesh Bhuee, Campaign Manager from Recourse said, 'Congratulations to Mr. Sidi Ould Tah on becoming the new President of the African Development Bank. With millions of Africans still living without electricity, we hope he'll use this moment to double down on public funding for renewable energy that actually reaches people and communities. Mission 300 can be a game-changer, but only if it leaves fossil fuels behind and puts real access first. Civil society is here, as a partner, to help make that happen and hold the Bank to its promises.'
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Over 46% of state tribals face economic hardship: Survey
1 2 Ranchi: The indigenous communities of Jharkhand continue to face economic distress, with widespread migration, shrinking traditional livelihoods, and patchy access to govt welfare despite promises and policy formlations by successive govts. These issues were reported in the 'Indigenous Navigator Community Survey Report-2023', conducted by a think tank, Indigenous Navigator, and hosted by the Women and Gender Research Centre (WGRC) on Wednesday. The survey was conducted on Santhal, Ho, Munda, Oraon, and Kharia communities of 27 villages across Gumla, Simdega, Saraikela-Kharsawan, West Singhbhum, and Khunti districts. Economic and social security remain severely compromised, with over 46% of surveyed individuals living below the poverty line, and only half of the communities having access to social protection schemes such as pensions, maternity benefits, or food security entitlements, the study revealed. Migration is widespread, with 42.3% of young men and nearly 50% of young women, aged 15 to 24 years, leave their homes in search of work. A santhali representative from Gamharia, Seema Besra, said, "We are forced to migrate due to lack of job opportunities in our villages. There are no jobs and no training imparted to upgrade our skills, but only empty election promise." Only 8% of communities having full legal recognition over their ancestral lands and 81% reporting ongoing land conflicts, the study revealed. Mere formation of a separate state does not guarantee justice. "Even after 25 years of Jharkhand's creation, protective laws exist more in principle than in practice. The exploitation of indigenous communities continues," said Virginius Xaxa, an expert. Other issues included education gaps, with 88% reporting that tribal languages and histories are absent from school curricula, lack of access to govt and media, with 77% saying there is no tribal language content on state-run platforms, and limited awareness of legal rights, with over 65% lacking access to legal aid. WGRC representative Bineet Mundu stressed upon the need to implement development policies that are locally rooted and community-driven. "State interventions must go beyond tokenism. What indigenous communities need is dignified access to land, education, and economic opportunity, designed with their direct participation," he said. Another WGRC representative Elina spoke about the need for ground-level implementation of the PESA Act, secure land tenure, vocational training, and community-based development models. The consultation ended with a call for tangible, time-bound policy actions guided by Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) to uphold indigenous rights and economic dignity in Jharkhand.
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Activist slams ‘misleading' claims over Baram forest project collapse
Peter John Jaban MIRI (May 24): Sarawak land rights activist Peter John Jaban has criticised the state government's narrative blaming civil society groups for the termination of the Upper Baram Forest Area (UBFA) project, calling it 'misleading'. He was responding to Deputy Minister Len Latif's clarification during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, where it was claimed that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Bruno Manser Fonds (BMF) and SAVE Rivers failed to meet project conditions by not taking into account the interest of indigenous groups apart from the Penan. 'These claims are misleading and ignore the actual reasons behind the project's collapse. 'The truth is that the project was derailed by a lack of transparency, top-down interference, and an abrupt shift away from the conservation and indigenous-led vision that was originally agreed upon,' he said in a statement. The UBFA initiative – known locally as the Baram Peace Park – was championed by the indigenous communities to protect over 79,000 hectares of primary forest, with the broader goal of ensuring sustainable livelihoods and forest stewardship across 283,500 hectares. Backed by international donors including the Japanese government and the City of Basel, the project emphasised Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and community leadership. Peter claimed that after securing international funding, the Sarawak Forest Department and the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) changed the project's direction and excluded core conservation areas, prioritising commercial forest exploitation without adequate community consultation. He said the government's narrative was now an attempt to 'deflect from reality' and that this project was compromised from the top. He also pointed to the controversial logging activities commencing in the area shortly after the expiration of previous concessions, as a new concession was granted to Borneoland Timber Resources Sdn Bhd. 'On the other hand, civil society groups had consistently advocated for transparency, FPIC and the inclusion of indigenous perspectives, while being scapegoated by the authorities.' The activist called on both the Sarawak government and ITTO to return to the principles of true indigenous leadership, conservation over profit, and full transparency. 'If Sarawak is serious about sustainable development, it must start by listening to the people who have protected these forests for generations,' he said. lead misleading Peter John UBFA Upper Baram Forest Area
