Human rights NGO Suaram has condemned police action against Penan protesters fighting against the impoundment of the Murum dam, urging them instead to protect the indigenous people.

Suaram coordinator R Thevarajan said that by arresting a protester and breaking up the blockade the community had put up to halt progress on the dam, the police are siding with the exploiters instead of the rakyat.

NONE“We urge the Royal Malaysian Police to safeguard law and justice and to protect the interests of the Penan people instead of taking the side of the exploiters.

“Suaram urges inspector-general of police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar to intervene and tell his men not to interfere in the Penan people's struggle for their rights,” he said in a statement.

He added that the Penan “have no choice” but to continue with their blockade, as the Sarawak Energy Bhd had “reneged” on the deal to halt the impoundment during negotiations.

The blockade was set up on Sept 18 after eight years of negotiations, while the Penan said the impoundment started on Sept 22.

He added that Malaysia is a signatory to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which protects the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples.

NONEHowever, the country has not yet ratified International Labour Organisation convention 169, which legally binds the government to protect the rights of the indigenous on deals affecting their rights.

“Suaram urges the  Malaysian government to end all intimidation and harassment against indigenous people. We urge the government to ratify the ILO convention 169.”

Police yesterday arrested protester Ngang Buling and fired a warning shot into the air during the commotion surrounding the arrest.

Ngang, who was then taken to Belaga police station, was released this morning.

The 30-odd police officers yesterday also demolished some of the camps at the blockade.