Indigenous and environmental advocacy groups in Borneo raised the alarm over the Malaysian government’s prospective move to join BRICS, a coalition of emerging economies led by China, which also includes Russia, Brazil, India, and South Africa.
The Defender of Ancestral Lands Sabah (Mopot) and the Sabah and Sarawak Indigenous People’s Alliance (Goass) issued a joint statement, demanding respect for the Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) concerning the rights of the indigenous communities in the region.
They criticized Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration for potentially compromising indigenous rights in pursuit of economic alliances.
The statement pointedly accuses the government of ignoring the principles of ‘Indigenous sovereignty’ and ‘self-determination’, especially concerning the Indigenous peoples residing in the Malaysian states on the island of Borneo.
“The decision raises critical questions relating to ‘indigenous sovereignty’ and ‘self-determination’ in the two states of Borneo that are home to several indigenous communities,” the statement read.
In a report by AsiaNews, Andrew Ambrose, speaking for Mopot, alongside Peter John Jaban from Goass, highlighted the necessity for the government to uphold the autonomy and control of indigenous communities over their territories and resources.
They insisted that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim must secure the communities’ rights to self-governance, territory control, and self-determination, including choosing their political status.
The activists emphasized the need for strict adherence to FPIC principles in any decision related to international alliances, like BRICS.
They argue that meaningful consultation with Indigenous communities must be a prerequisite before any commitments are finalized by the government.
The statement further demands that Prime Minister Ibrahim address the historical injustices faced by the Indigenous peoples, including discrimination, resource-sharing inadequacies, and political marginalization.
“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim must apologize to the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak for 61 years of neglect and discrimination,” the statement read.
The groups also urged the prime minister to commit to the preservation and promotion of indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions, protecting them against the pressures of globalization and external economic interests. They called for a commitment to environmental sustainability and the conservation of the biodiverse ecosystems in indigenous territories.
In an exclusive interview with AsiaNews, Peter John Jaban elaborated, “Malaysia’s potential entry into BRICS must not undermine the rights and aspirations of self-determination and liberation of the indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak.”
He stressed the importance of prioritizing Indigenous sovereignty and meaningful consultation in all government decisions impacting their future.
