Shock as many Lundayeh found without documents

“Living far away they have not been able to settle their documentation on time”

(Daily Express) – A recent visit under the judiciary’s Mobile Court CSR project discovered many among the local community here still holding red identification cards which does not consider them to be citizens despite being no less Malaysian.

Chief of Justice of Malaysia, Tan Sri Richard Malanjun, who led the group said such a thing is unacceptable considering that the Lundayeh community is one of many native groups living in East Malaysia.

“So much to be done here after finding out many are still having red IC. These are the genuine local people and their rights were not given accordingly.

“I have instructed the task force to look into this matter with urgency,” said Malanjun.

Some 1,000 Lundayeh turned up at the event held at SK Long Pasia where various services were also provided by NGOs such as medical and dental services organised by Warisan Harta Sabah Sdn Bhd; general health talks by State Health Department; eye and cataract screening by Gleneagles Hospital Kota Kinabalu; Sabah Diabetic Association; pharmaceuticals and some other NGOs who came two days earlier to provide various services.

Also Present were High Court Judges of Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Martin Idang, Bexter Agas Michael, Datuk Duncan Sikodol, Judicial Commissioner Ismail Brahim, magistrates and court registrar, among others.

Some 80 applications for endorsement of birth certificates were also effected.

Malanjun also regretted the dilapidated condition of the public road in the district and opined that such important infrastructure should not be ignored as it is an important means of basic facility for the people.

“We need good infrastructure in order for the people to commute to and fro their destinations for various purposes. It is difficult to settle their activities when facilities are not provided duly.

“It is indeed a sad thing to leave them facing their day-to-day life with such rundown facilities (road condition). I hope the concerned authorities will look into this matter urgently,” he said.

High Court Judge Bexter Agas, who is currently serving in Sandakan Court said the trip was overall a success.

“It certainly is a beautiful place with many good sights to be enjoyed by people coming from outside the district. The Lundayeh communities are very down to earth and friendly, however with laidback environment.

“Living far away they have not been able to settle their documentation on time,” he said.

Being a Sarawakian and an Iban, Bexter was appreciative with the opportunity to impart his services to the people in Long Pasia, as his home state (Sarawak) is just at the border to Long Pasia.

“This community definitely faced the problem of late registration due infrastructure. They cannot come out to register their new born during the stipulated time as it takes them days to travel with that sort of road condition,” he said.

It took five hours to reach to SK Long Pasia from the State Capital. He said Mobile Court programme is a useful effort benefitting the community, especially those in the rural area.

Amelati Anak Parnell, the Registrar of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak was delighted to be able to deliver and share her expertise. She is currently serving at Kuching High Court.

A Bidayuh, Amelati took pride in serving the people saying no one should be left behind.

“Our aim is to assist in whatever we can to provide them all the necessary in terms of documentation as these are their rights that they should be given rightly,” she stressed.

In terms of wellbeing, she also commented that health conditions, serious ailments are some of the issues that need to be addressed with urgency for the people who live in the interior where basic facilities are not provided well.

Meanwhile, Malanjun disclosed that mobile court activity would be carried out in more rural districts.

He said there are many more natives people in the interior areas waiting for such service. – Lorena Binisol