KUCHING, Malaysia, 27 June 2025 – The indigenous communities of Sarawak are grieving the loss of Dennis, a steadfast champion of their rights, who passed away peacefully at 6 a.m. today, surrounded by family and fellow activists. Nurul Izzah Anwar, Deputy President of KEADILAN, expressed her condolences, praying for Dennis’ soul to be blessed and his legacy to inspire future generations.
Dennis’ passing marks another chapter in the ongoing struggle of Sarawak’s indigenous peoples—Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Penan, and others—to protect their Native Customary Rights (NCR) to land. For these communities, the land is more than a place to live; it is their source of livelihood, a sacred space for worship, a cornerstone of their customs, and an integral part of their identity.
Reflecting on her visits to remote Sarawak villages, Nurul Izzah recalled the stories of resilience from communities rooted in their ancestral lands for generations. She paid tribute to other fallen advocates, including Harrison Ngau and the late Bill Kayong, whose tireless efforts amplified the voices of Sarawak’s people. “As long as we live, we will fight,” she said, echoing the unyielding spirit of these communities.
Despite legal recognition of NCR under Malaysia’s Constitution, Sarawak’s Land Code, and international human rights standards, only a fraction of indigenous lands have been officially surveyed and titled. This leaves many communities vulnerable to land encroachment, forced evictions, and exploitation. Large-scale oil palm plantations and logging activities often expand at the expense of indigenous rights, with lands leased to corporations without proper consultation, consent, or fair compensation.
Court rulings have repeatedly affirmed NCR as rooted in customary laws passed down through generations. However, inconsistent implementation has left indigenous communities grappling with legal, bureaucratic, and financial hurdles to secure their rights.
Nurul Izzah called for urgent action to accelerate the surveying and titling of NCR lands and halt new licenses on disputed territories. She urged that all development projects secure free, prior, and informed consent from indigenous landowners, with fair compensation for affected communities.
In a rallying cry to Malaysians, she said, “Stand with our indigenous brothers and sisters in Sarawak. Let us ensure their voices are heard, their rights protected, and their future secured.” The fight for justice, she emphasized, must not be borne by indigenous communities alone.