Screenshot of one of the scenes in the video clip as released by London-based activist group Global Witness.KUALA
LUMPUR, March 31 — Sarawak's Dayak corporate chiefs are reportedly
seething with rage over a video exposing racist remarks by some
prominent state personalities with close government links and want
Putrajaya to address their economic woes.The Borneo Post Online reported today the video, produced by UK-based environmental campaigner Global Witness, was the hottest debate topic at the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (DCCI) annual general meeting in Kuching yesterday.
According to the news portal, DCCI members took offense at the views voiced by two lawyers and cousins to Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud which were seen to demean the indigenous tribes described in the video as "squatters" on state property in the expose on endemic corruption over land deals in Malaysia's largest state.
"We firmly believe that the natives have rights in our land. Our rights in land have been well entrenched in our laws, culture and customs which are duly recognised and accepted by our courts.
"These rights should be respected by all," DCCI secretary-general Libat Langub was quoted as saying in a statement issued after the meeting.
Libat reportedly admitted that Sarawak natives were trailing Malaysians in the peninsula economically, but said they had equal rights as citizens and should not be manipulated or exploited by others.
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