VIEWS OF AG, LS BASED ON STANDPOINTS

KOTA KINABALU: ON the statements by the State Attorney General, Datuk Roderic Fernandes and Land and Survey Director, Datuk Osman Jamal pertaining to the 1930 Sabah Land Ordinance, he said it was based on their respective definition from the legal point-of-view and land administration affairs perspective.

He assured that NCR land issues remained the State Government's priority and reminded that consideration and decision on the NCR land claims is under the jurisdiction of the State Cabinet.

"As a caring and responsible government we always prioritise the NCR claims involving Sabah's indigenous people," he said, adding that the government would thoroughly study and scrutinise each NCR land claim.

He also assured that investigations on the 338 NCR claims would be expedited with the help of Pantas.

He has also directed the Forestry Department to immediately stop the forest reserve boundary re-delineation exercise in several areas, which were also occupied and developed by locals.

"This is in order for investigation to be carried out," he said.

"As I have said earlier our State is being administered by natives of Sabah.

So safeguarding, preserving and protecting the rights of the indigenous people will always be our priority.

"As Chief Minister I personally will ensure this principle is the main agenda."

Musa hoped that with his explanation there would be no more quarters manipulating the issue of NCR and instead work together to resolve it.

"It is my hope that this issue will no longer be made a cheap political material to gain mileage for the political agenda of certain quarters," he said