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INDIGENOUS rights activists in Sabah are cautiously optimistic about the call to recognise the Bajau Laut community in Semporna as Malaysians.
Andrew Ambrose at Defenders for Ancestral Lands of Sabah was concerned that such a move could lead to disasters like Projek IC.
"Could this be a new round of population change and an act of genocide against indigenous natives?" he said.
“Such actions would not only repeat historical injustices but further marginalise indigenous communities whose rights have long been neglected," he said.
Projek IC was an allegedly covert operation to grant citizenship to migrants in Sabah to alter its political landscape.
Former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has proposed that the Bajau Laut be integrated into the local community and granted rights and access to basic facilities after their homes were demolished.
Ambrose said the eviction of the sea nomads was a reflection of the security and sovereignty issues Sabah faces. He said making them citizens could leave them open to political manipulation.
He said the Bajau Laut, who do not have a religion, could be targeted by bigots.
Kanul Gindol at the Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo said the Bajau Laut, or Palauh have existed since time immemorial and are entitled to citizenship.
"As Malaysian citizens, they could vote. I look forward to them joining us in in electing Sabah leaders.
"In my view, Sabahans should welcome the Palauh as brothers and sisters," said Kanul, noting that his opinion is controversial among the people of his community, the KadazanDusun and Murut. – June 15, 2024.