Why do S'wak's indigenous people vote BN?

For decades, the indigenous people in Sarawak have witnessed logging companies leaving their native customary rights land barren. And their protests have fallen on deaf ears.

In view of this, Pakatan Rakyat coordinator Zaid Ibrahim asked why then are they still casting their ballots in favour of Barisan Nasional?

"We need development, but not at the expense of the indigenous communities," he stressed during a workshop titled ‘Rights delayed are rights denied’ in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The one-day workshop, organised by Sahabat Alam Malaysia, attracted some 70 participants.

Zaid also underscored the importance of organised development which does not overlook the rights of the indigenous communities.

"NGOs and Sahabat Alam activists should work closely and illustrate the strength of small groups which can bring about a bigger difference at large," he added.

Pakatan is more sensible

Contrary to the ruling coalition, the former Umno member who joined PKR said that Pakatan is committed to the protection and preservation of the rights of indigenous people.

To illustrate his point, Zaid cited the 'Sagong Tasi vs Selangor government' case which involved 38 acres of land belonging to an indigenous community being taken for the construction of the Nilai-Banting highway.

He said Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had withdrawn the case when Pakatan seized control of the state following the March 2008 general election.

"This shows that the Pakatan government is more sensible," noted Zaid, who was a former law minister.  

"The state government believes in protecting the rights of indigenous people and will continue to treat the Orang Asli community with the respect they deserve and that should have been accorded to them from the beginning," he added, taking a swipe at former menteri besar Mohd Khir Toyo's administration.

As for the Bakun dam in Sarawak, he asked: "What happened to the RM300 million allocated for the relocation and as direct compensation to the indigenous families when the dam was built?"

Zaid also wanted to know if the allocation was audited by any independent auditors.     

National policy needed                        

Earlier, Sahabat Alam councilor member Mohideen Abdul Kader told participants that there is a pressing need for a national policy that will guarantee respect for the rights of indigenous people and their economic choices.

He said the absence of good democratic governance and sound policy on native rights are the root causes for the violation of human security, property and the right to a safe and clean environment in Baram, Sarawak.

He added that the Penan in Baram are threatened by unsustainable logging, construction of expensive dams and infrastructure projects and the deforestation process.

 

The blockades erected by the Penan were also forcefully dismantled by the police allowing access to logging trucks into the forested areas.

Mohideen stressed that a national policy should only be implemented with public consultation.

Zaid had also lauded the proposal for such a national policy.

Apart from activists, the workshop also saw the participation of several Penan community leaders, including Sarawak Penan Association chairperson Unga Panen.