A group of Baram villagers have lodged a police report against Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem over his claim that the majority of locals are supporting the Baram Dam project.

Speaking to reporters outside the Dang Wangi police district headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today, the group’s spokesperson Charles Gau ( below ) said they are resorting to police reports because he does not know where else to turn.

He also urged the chief minister to hold an open dialogue on the issue, instead of the closed door session held about a fortnight ago.

“We urge him to hold an open dialogue, not in secrecy. It is not right.

"They do it behind closed doors, then he claims he has the community leaders’ support.

“That’s what he claims, but not all community leaders support this.

"Let's suppose the leaders don’t support (the project), can they object? No,” he said, adding that leaders who had previously opposed the project have come under pressure, such as not being appointed as village chiefs.

Adenan: No reason to delay

Gau was referring to a Borneo Post report on May 17, which quoted Adenan speaking the previous day after holding a dialogue in Miri with Baram community leaders.

“I had an occasion this morning to meet with community leaders in Baram and was explaining to them on the government’s policy and also in particular with regard to the proposed Baram Dam.

“This afternoon, they had indicated to me that the majority of the people in Baram support the building of the dam and that, representing these people, they will sign a pledge this afternoon,” he was quoted saying.

The article added that because of this, Adenan wants the project to commence as soon as possible and he does not want the "minority of detractors" to dominate the issue any further.

 

Disputing Adenan’s claim, Gau said a petition against Baram Dam has already collected 20,000 signatures so far from the Upper Baram region that would be inundated by the dam, and the Lower Baram region downstream.

 

Roadblocks meant to prevent the dam’s construction are also ongoing, and are now nearing their second year, he told reporters.

 

In his police report, he added that Adenan’s claim is incorrect because he had only met a portion of Baram’s residents, and most of the community were not aware of the meeting.

 

“We wish to state that we oppose the Baram Dam and we are the true majority voice,” he stressed in his report.