KUALA LUMPUR, 10 Nov: The reduction of Malay Reserve Land to only 12 percent in 2009, an area of 1.6 million hectares, from 12.9 million hectares, show the failure of the National Land Council (MTN) under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The Member of Parliament for Pokok Sena, Datuk Mahfuz Omar, said that Najib, as the National Land Council Chairman, should coordinate and advice so that the enforcement of laws to replace the Malay Reserve Land is carried out.
He said that this decline shows that the Federal Government is not sensitive and causes loss the Malays in the future.
“I am bringing up the issue of the Malay Reserve Land because I want to show the failure of the National Land Council in ensuring the amount of land does not reduce.
“They (MTN), as the coordinators and advisors, have failed to carry out their duties as provided in the Constitution in ensuring the enforcement of Articke 89, where when land is taken, it must be replaced by the same amount,” he said at the Parliament Lobby.
Previously, Mahfuz brought up the motion of the decline in Malay Reserve Land discussed at the House of Representatives, but it was rejected by the House of Representatives President, Tan Sri Panglima Pandikar Amin Mulia.
He suggested for the Malay Reserve Land Trustee Board to be given power according the Federal law to be established to administer, manage and develop Malay Reserve Land.
“The establishment of this trustee board is in accordance with Article 98 (5) of the Federal Constitution which needs to ensure the maintaining of size and area of Malay Reserve Land,” he added.
NS