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PBB Belia Piasau seeks public apology from Nurul Izzah on NCR remarks
Mohammad Aniq says Nurul Izzah's remarks misrepresented legal and policy realities surrounding NCR land, potentially undermining public trust and inciting unnecessary tensions.
SIBU (June 28): The Protem Youth Movement of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Belia N.73 Piasau branch has called on Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar to issue a public apology following her recent statements concerning Native Customary Rights (NCR) land in Sarawak.
Its chairman, Mohammad Aniq Ashwin Abuzar, said Nurul Izzah's remarks misrepresented legal and policy realities surrounding NCR land, potentially undermining public trust and inciting unnecessary tensions.
'We are compelled to respond firmly and responsibly, given the sensitivities and historical importance of this issue to our indigenous communities,' he said in a statement.
Mohammad Aniq stressed that as a prominent leader within the Unity Government, Nurul Izzah bears the duty to speak on national matters with accuracy, maturity, and a firm grasp of the facts — particularly on complex and sensitive matters such as land rights in Sarawak.
'We urge her to refrain from making uninformed remarks and to engage constructively with the Sarawak government and native community leaders before commenting on our internal affairs,' he added.
In a recent Free Malaysia Today report, Nurul Izzah had called for the expedition of land surveys and ownership approvals for native customary land in Sarawak, and a halt to the issuance of new licences on disputed land.
In view of this, Mohammad Aniq noted that Sarawak's legal and administrative approach to NCR land is grounded in law and upheld by the courts.
'The Sarawak Land Code (Cap. 81) recognises native rights including 'temuda' (cultivated land), 'pulau galau' (communal forest), and 'pemakai menua' (territorial domain) under specific conditions,' he said.
'As of 2024, over 1.5 million hectares of land in Sarawak have been identified or gazetted as NCR land under various categories. This process is overseen by native land registries and involves ground verification, community consultation, and legal scrutiny.
'We, therefore, demand a formal public apology from Nurul Izzah to the Sarawak Premier and the people of Sarawak for her misleading statements,' he added.
Mohammad Aniq also noted that this was not the first instance of Nurul Izzah disregarding Sarawak's autonomy and sensitivities.
He recalled that in December 2015, she was barred from entering Sarawak following public conduct that contravened the state's interest and legal process.
'Given her recent behaviour, PBB Belia Piasau proposes that an indefinite entry ban be placed on Nurul Izzah until she issues a public apology acknowledging her misstatement.
'Among others, she is to commit to a fact-finding mission in Sarawak, guided by native leaders, legal experts, and state agencies.
'Additionally, she must demonstrate respect for Sarawak's legal framework, policies, and cultural context,' he said, adding that this is not a political retaliation but a necessary safeguard for Sarawak's dignity, public trust, and internal harmony.
