'There is no dilemma at all between the need for development and the wishes of the indigenous people. There is only avarice on an obscene scale. These dam projects are completely unnecessary and immeasurably destructive.'
Sarawak dams chief under media scrutiny
Dr Suresh Kumar: This is another classic example of how the powerful ruling elites marginalise and destroy the livelihood of the poor in Malaysia.
The Umno-led BN government promised to eradicate poverty in Sarawak by 2002 and eradicate hardcore poverty by the year 2010. But what is happening to these poor Penans and the other sub-ethnic groups in Sarawak and Sabah points to the exact opposite. The number of people there falling below the poverty line is on the rise.
This should not be happening in these two states as they have been blessed with abundance of natural resources, including 'black gold'. I don't see any politician on both sides of the divide genuinely addressing these people's predicament. Instead all of them are busy playing their political games at the expense of the livelihood of the poor.
It's time our East Malaysians fight for themselves as politicians will never care. Let people call you racist or whatever. Do what you have to do.
Maha Yoni: "We are facing a dilemma between the need for development of the resources of the wider society and the wishes of the indigenous people to stay and live where they are," claims Torstein Sjotveit.
Sjotveit, you speak with forked tongue. There is no dilemma at all - only avarice on an obscene scale. These dam projects are completely unnecessary and immeasurably destructive, not only to the Penans' and other indigenous people's long-term well-being, but also to the entire Bornean rainforest ecosystem - which is already on the verge of irreversible ruin caused by loggers and oil palm companies (who pay fat commissions to the corrupt state government).
You ought to be ashamed of yourself for accepting such a Faustian contract. No doubt the pay was too attractive to turn down - but don't you dare talk about ‘development' as though it actually benefits the ‘wider society'. The only ones who benefit are corrupt bureaucrats, greedy contractors and loggers.
Nicole: The natives of Sarawak are BN's fixed deposit. No matter how much the NGOs try to help them, eventually after receiving a few roof zinc, they will vote for BN.
Another round of turbulence for PKR
Malaysian 1 st : It is better for these parasite's to leave. The only reason they are there is to get contacts and enrich themselves. Most PKR Malay members are Umno rejects. They still have the Umno mentality of entitled corruption.
PAS and DAP members do not seem to have the problem because they understand the struggles and need to bring positive change in the countries politically. They have all chosen to remained in the opposition because of their ideology and not because of money.
DAP and PAS members are all poor and they do seem to mind it. It is Umno and Umno rejects that are are always looking for contract and cheap ways to enrich themselves.
Geronimo: More worms crawling out from the woodworks. The religion and race issues are nothing more than a smokescreen. To these fellas, religion is ‘corruption' and race is ‘ringgit'. To ditch a leader in his hour of need is certainly most unIslamic.
Habib RAK: Zahid Hamidi, thank you very much for your help in weeding out the lalangs from PKR.
Law students take their activism online
Tham Chee Keong: This is the best initiative of young undergraduates I've seen. Malaysia is proud of you for being the great change initiators to propel Malaysia towards becoming globally recognised as one unified progressive country for all.
Keturunan Malaysia: Bravo! Please accept my very sincere and humble salutation for such a great effort.
Gk: It is unfortunate that non-Malays and non-Muslims see Malays as being either liberal or non-liberal. This is not only with regards to Malaysian Malays, but Singaporean and Indonesian Malays as well.
Who is to be blamed for this? Umno, MPM (Majlis Perundangan Melayu) and other so-called activists.
Things have gotten worse each day since the ‘Allah' issue, Kartika, the Perak fiasco, the canning of the three Malay ladies, and the most recent, MPM. If such development are not curbed in time, others will look at Malays as unreasonable, not logical and so on. This is not being fair to simple, honest and hard-working Malays who are liberal.
It is high time for all of us to defend our federal constitution.
Cks: Good move, Bar Council! Kudos to the group of young intellects. With your energy, you make very effective agents of change. Hold more seminars, widen your networking. Get like-thinking young liberal Malays to join in the pursuit.
Nik Aziz not an exception: MACC
Aramsa: MACC, go ahead and investigate. Speed up the demise of your political master. But don't forget to investigate Mohd Khir Toyo as well.
Philip Chong: Wonderful message by MACC! Since MACC says even high-profile figures are not exempt, please also investigate the prime minsiter and deputy prime minister and their followers.
