WHETHER this is self-praise or otherwise, PAS Kelantan Youth chief Mohd Kamal Mohamad has claimed that PAS’ benchmark in safeguarding the rights of Malays is very high, especially in ensuring that Malay reserve lands are preserved and expanded.
“Until now, Kelantan holds the state record for having the largest area of Malay Reserve land!” he penned his thoughts in PAS mouthpiece HarakahDaily. “Compared to other states, land acquisition activities in Kelantan – whether through the sale or mortgaging of farmers’ land – do not involve many capitalists and non-Malay traders.”
Even if compared from an enforcement point of view, the implementation of the Kelantan Land Enactment 1938 is more effective than other states given that only Kelantan-born residents can own land or houses in Kelantan.
“This enactment has so far succeeded in maintaining most of the rights and land ownership for Kelantan natives as stated in Section 9 (of the enactment),” claimed Kamal. “It is the state government through PAS leaders who play a major role in protecting and defending the Malay Reserve.”
To alleviate the burden and assist people in acquiring land, the Kelantan state government offered a 70% discount on land premium payments to those who could not afford it last year.
“Indeed, the Malay Reserve Land issue is not a small issue because it involves the rights and dignity of the Malays. It is also clearly stated in Article 89 of the Federal Constitution,” Kamal pointed out.
Based on the Will of the Malay Rulers on August 5, 1957, the Malay Reserve Land must be maintained by at least 50%, according to Kamal.
“We declare and we reserve for you, and we allow you to declare and reserve for your children and grandchildren – in addition to the mountains, lakes and forests – Malay Reserve Land up to a ratio of 50%, the rest of which feel free to grab alongside other races,” reads the declaration by the Malay rulers.
Unfortunately, Kamal observed that many states throughout Malaysia now have less than 50% of Malay Reserve Land.
“However, the Tok Lebai government in Kelantan remains steadfast in defending the rights of the Malays by having preserved more than 80% of the total Malay Reserve Land,” he enthused. “Kelantan’s firmness and determination to protect the absolute rights of the Malays must be defended. Don’t leave the Malays without land in their own homeland!” – Feb 10, 2023
