Malaysia relented to peer pressure over the issue of indigenous knowledge during negotiations at the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) in Kuala Lumpur today.

The government was originally opposed to the specific wording of a programme of action which provided indigenous communities the right to grant or deny access to those seeking to use intellectual property belonging to them, such as their traditional practices.

Since last December's preparation meeting in Montreal, Canada, Malaysian negotiators had wanted the caveat "consistent with Article 8(j) and subject to national law" be inserted.

Malaysia is signatory to the CBD, which includes the commitment that local legislation should as much as possible protect indigenous knowledge and practices, and that any promotion of such knowledge must first obtain consent and involvement of the communities.

'Minor victory'

In the negotiation talks, Malaysian delegate and legal advisor for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment Peh Suan Yong said the government reserves the right to raise the issue of "consistency with national legislation" again at a future date, if required.

However, International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity spokesperson Jannie Lasimbang described the development as a "minor victory for us".

She said it is positive to note that the other signatories were able to convince Malaysia that the programme of action was consistent with the main text of the convention that it had signed.

She stressed that the notion of prior informed consent of indigenous groups is a crucial component to the CBD and that should not be subjected to weak local legislation.

Jannie is also coordinator for the Partnership of Community Organisations Sabah, a coalition of indigenous communities based here.

Malaysia created controversy last week when it became the sole country responsible for the impasse over the issue.

It's earlier attempts to water down goal 2.2 on the issue of protected areas was stopped short when other countries refused to agree to its insistence that the "involvement of indigenous groups and local communities" be merely "encouraged", and not "enhanced and secured".