But they also warned the government against exploiting it to boost support from Orang Asli voters in the coming Cameron Highlands by-election.
Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil, who has in the past criticised the authorities for ignoring the plight of the Orang Asli, described it as “a bold move”.
“I would like to congratulate the attorney-general for being very brave to go ahead with this matter because it has never happened before this,” said Shariffa, who heads Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka).
Attorney-General Tommy Thomas today announced that Putrajaya had filed the suit at the Kota Bharu High Court, saying the federal government was fulfilling its commitment to hold the state government responsible for violating the Orang Asli’s constitutional rights.
The Kelantan government and its agencies had in recent times granted logging licences to private companies to enter the native land of the Temiar Orang Asli in Pos Simpor, near Gua Musang, where forests were cleared to make way for durian and rubber tree plantations.
Shariffa noted the timing of the suit, just a week before voters in Cameron Highlands go to the polls.
“I hope the government will continuously do this to the core. We do not want this to happen just because the election is coming. We do not want that.”
Pakatan Harapan’s M Manogaran is facing Barisan Nasional’s Ramli Mohd Nor, who could become the first Orang Asli MP if he wins on Jan 26.
Shariffa said the government should also file similar suits against other state governments to stop private companies from encroaching into native lands.
“There is always a loophole to stop this destruction through a court case.”
Vocal lawyer Siti Kasim, who has in the past battled the authorities in Kelantan for approving timber concessions in Orang Asli settlements, said the government’s suit showed that it was fulfilling its promise to help the indigenous people.
“They (Kelantan government) do not respect the law, so this is a good move,” she told FMT.
“We believe in the constitution, indeed, the federal government is right in helping the Orang Asli. Congrats PH for fulfilling the pledge to help.”
When contacted, the Kelantan government said it was firm in its earlier stance that the Orang Asli community does not own any land in the state.
Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah also questioned Putrajaya’s move, saying it has no say in matters of land.
“Land comes under the jurisdiction of the state government,” he told FMT, but refused to comment further pending consultation with his lawyers.