The point of the matter

Today's entry is inspired by this news item: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/08/26/raub-durian-land-dispute-a-very-prickly-affair

Perspective 1: The durian farmers of Raub who cleared the forest land decades ago and grew the durian trees until their maturity. These farms are illegally owned and from the get-go these farmers have 'trespassed' into an area belonging to the Sultan of Pahang. Over the years they have collectively applied for legalisation of their land occupation. However , they have been unsuccessful, application after application. The farmers have now been blocked by State authorities from entering their durian farms, and were subsequently issued eviction notices.

Perspective 2: The Royal Pahang Durian Produce (RPDP) together with another State entity claims land rights, proposes to lease these lands to the farmers (at an agreed sum of levy) and eventually legalising their ownership. RPDP will build a durian processing plant in Raub and audit the quality of durians for export to China, where there is a huge market (which RPDP have helped secure). These farmers must supply their durians to RPDP and to no other party. 

Perspective 3: The politicians of Malaysia who highlighted the illegal trespass of land by Chinese farmers who have benefited for many years without paying any tax or dues to the State Government. Alleged discrimination of a Malay farmer on illegal land was also thrown in for good measure.  

On account of the levy being exorbitant, the farmers have protested against the lease proposal.

RPDP maintains that the deal they offer is reasonable, giving the farmers an opportunity to profit. 

The High Court of Kuantan on 28 August 2020 handed down an order to suspend the eviction notices until the hearing for judicial review is held on 28 October. 

If I were the farmers, I would probably argue easement. No eviction notice or attempt to evict was ever made, until now.

If I were RPDP, I would probably argue that the years of denial of license indicate lack of State consent (for the land trespass).

If I were the politicians, I probably would steer away from the issue and work on party policies.

I will keep my eyes and ears peeled for news on the judicial review. Till 28 October then!