Reference is made to the article by Nawawi Uteh (Mirror of truth). The ACA has been keeping mum over allegations against the officials in high places in Sarawak. If one moves around the coffee shops and market places in Sarawak, it is there at the grassroots that we would hear the heartaches of the locals and often times the indigenous people - robbed of their land and ultimately their only source of livelihood.

The government is encouraging small landholders to be willing to give up their lands and work towards bigger plantations. But like what Uteh expressed in his article, the land has been given over and privatised.

And what do they have in turn!! Who then protects the needs and rights of the indigenous people - the 'bumis' of the land of Sarawak! We want them to preserve their culture but we chop down the trees, pollute the rivers and ultimately drive them out of the jungle.

In its place, we build glamorous golf courses and highland resorts. If we are serious about eco-tourism in Sarawak, keep our trees and preserve our rivers. Building a glamorous airport in Limbang is one thing but if one has to trudge one day on foot, take a four-hour ride by speed boat and maybe another coach to get to Limbang airport then what's the point!

I would prefer not to have the glamorous airport. Just build some good solid highways like the ones in Peninsular Malaysia would do. The glamour is not just found in the big towns - go inland and see for yourselves how the 'bumis' live. Yes, the towns have indeed prospered but life for many of the indigenous people has become even harder. The coming elections in Sarawak will certainly be an acid test.