Development For Indigenous People Carefully Thought Out

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The development programme involving indigenous communities is carefully thought out and not emotionally driven by certain quarters, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

He said hence, the government was sensitive and listen to the problems aired by indigenous people as their well-being was the prime concern of the government.

"However, any proposals, objections or dissatisfactions should be aired through proper channels and to the authorities.

"Let us not copycat foreign culture by resorting to outrageous actions that will only demean our status as indigenous people," he said at the World's Indigenous Peoples celebration at Penampang here today.

His text of speech was read by Sabah Kadazandusun Cultural Association deputy president Datuk Richard Bainon.

Admiting that indigenous communities have the right to come to the defence of their rights when they were trampled upon, Pairin, who is also the paramount leader of the Kadazandusun community, said:

"We have certain rights to protect, particularly our culture, identity, customary land, territories, and resources.

"But we must remember that as the indigenous community, we are bound by customs and ethics that needed to be preserved and maintained as they reflect the fundamental of our civilisation."