Go to court if not happy with quantum of compensation paid by state govt, Sarawak deputy premier tells native landowners
KOTA SAMARAHAN, March 13 — Native landowners who are unhappy with the quantum of compensation paid by the state government for acquiring their property for public projects can bring their case to court for a review, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said today.
He said the state government will comply with whatever the court decides in their favour on the quantum.
“We will have no problem with that if the court decides in favour of the landowners,” he said at the handing over of RM20 million compensation to 111 owners for the acquisition of native lands for road constructions.
However, he cautioned that taking the matter to court may not necessarily be higher quantum than what is being assessed by the Land and Survey Department.
He cited a case in Miri where the court awarded a lower quantum than what was offered by the state government.
Awang Tengah, who is also the Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, said the acquisition of native lands for public projects, such as roads, water and electricity supplies, clinics and schools meant for the longhouses and villages, is unavoidable.
He asked them not to think of their own personal interest by putting up obstruction as it can delay the completion of such projects.
“We can build those projects far away from the longhouses and villagers or even in the mountainous region, and it will not benefit them,” he said.
He said the compensation for the acquisition of the native lands by the state government is in accordance with Clause 81 of the Sarawak Land Code and Article 13 of the Federal Constitution.
He added under Clause 81 and Article 81, among others, that no one should be deprived of their property, except in accordance with the laws.
He said the state government has plans and committed to build roads and provide water and electricity to the remote areas of Sarawak that will involve the acquisition of the native lands.
He said these projects will be the catalysts in the state government’s efforts to develop the economy and upgrade the living standard of the rural communities.
