Orang Asli file suit over church demolition
KOTA BARU: The Temiar Orang Asli of Kampung Jias in Gua Musang have filed a suit against the Kelantan government for allegedly tearing down a church built on their property last year.
The suit is expected to be heard by Kota Baru High Court judge Datuk Mohd Azman Husin today.
Counsel for the Orang Asli, Lum Chew Peng, said the village head, or batin, Pedek Busu and three others — Malek Pedek, Awong Busu and Melah Awong — filed the summons on behalf of the community on July 29.
The church was allegedly demolished by the Gus Musang district land office last June 4.
The president of Gua Musang district council was named the first defendant while the district land office’s assistant administrator and the Kelantan government were named second and third defendants, respectively.
The plaintiffs have sought a court declaration that they have the right to possess the land in Kampung Jias and the right to practise their religion and build their prayer house under the Federal Constitution.
They have also asked for a declaration that the notices issued by the second defendant to demolish the church was void and the first defendant’s notices to them was also void under the Orang Asli Act.
Colin Nicholas, co-ordinator of the Centre for Orang Asli Concerns, a non-governmental organisation, said the Orang Asli were suing as the three defendants had no right to tear down the church.
He said the church was built on Orang Asli land which belonged to them under traditional title.
Meanwhile, state executive councillor Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said he had no information on the case.
(Source: NST Online – 15/01/08)
