KUCHING: The study of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and Native Customary Rights (NCR), which the Faculty of Law at the University of Malaya (UM) is looking to establish in Sarawak, should be discussed in accordance with its academic tradition of fairness and openness.
Sarawak Malay Graduates Association (IGMS) president Datuk Dr. Sanib Said stressed that when Sarawakians discuss NCR-related matters, they often limit the discussion to land rights.
“However, NCR extends beyond land rights, encompassing customary rights over coastal areas, seas, rivers, and more,” he said when contacted by reporters today (Dec 22).
He emphasised the importance of studying Sarawak’s history, asserting that UM, renowned for its academic tradition, should be open to perspectives from all communities in Sarawak.
“I do not want to see UM influenced by views and studies that are not objective and fair,” he said.
Dr. Sanib further highlighted the IGMS’s view that attention should be given to the 1841 Brunei-Brooke Agreement alongside MA63.
He mentioned that the UM Department of History has been offering courses on the history of Sarawak and Sabah since 1973, including topics on the formation of Malaysia.
He added that IGMS is ready to support any genuine effort to establish the UM Faculty of Law in Sarawak. This establishment could be the first step, paving the way for other faculties in the future.
Meanwhile, Jacob Ting, a lecturer in law at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, asserted that in-depth study and research are crucial in uncovering the profound significance of these matters for the well-being of future generations.
“Both NCR land and MA63-related issues are legal issues that have been held dearly close to the hearts of Sarawakians in general.
“The former is regarding the land rights of the indigenous community, which date back more than half a century or even longer, and the latter agreement is closely tied to the heart of every Sarawakian regarding the state’s status,” he said.
