Bajau Laut evictions expose Madani hypocrisy - Zaid

Former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has criticised the Madani administration over the Bajau Laut evictions in Sabah, pointing out that it shows the government’s hypocrisy.

This comes after it was reported that authorities had evicted the Bajau Laut community in Semporna and demolished their stilt houses.

“Do you want to see evidence of Madani's hypocrisy? Go to Semporna, Sabah and witness the eviction of the Bajau Laut people.

“See for yourself how this so-called humanitarian government deals with these stateless people,” Zaid (above) said on X.

On June 6, Borneo Komrad founder Mukmin Nantang alleged that the operation was against the Bajau Laut community living on seven islands in Semporna - Pulau Bohey Dulang, Pulau Maiga, Pulau Bodgaya, Pulau Sebangkat, and Pulau Sibuan.

Citizenship issue

On June 10, it was reported that fire destroyed 15 squatter houses during the demolition in Kampung Kalansanan, near Inanam.

While the authorities denied setting the blaze, the NGO disputed it, adding that 40 houses were destroyed instead of the 15 reported.

Touching on the community’s plight, Zaid said they have lived in that part of Sabah for centuries, even before Malaysia came about.

READ MORE: Bajau Laut: Once sea nomads, now stateless

While acknowledging that many of them are undocumented, he said a responsible government would recognise their hardships, history, and traditions.

“It would take a more robust attitude towards citizenship and issue them citizenship papers.

“A responsible government would also recognise their lifestyles and traditions and try to accommodate them in the context of modern living requirements. It would give them schools, even if they’re floating schools.

“But this government gave them an eviction notice. Where does the government expect them to go? To the middle of the high seas?” Zaid asked.

Show compassion

He urged Sabahan leaders to take a joint stand on how to treat the Bajau Laut people with compassion.

The former lawmaker called on the government to absorb them into society with proper guidance.

READ MORE: The Bajau Laut families left adrift and stateless

“They must be helped so they can be part of the Sabahan community.

“For that, the Bajau Laut need to be recognised as Sabahans. They need to enjoy all the rights and facilities that other Sabahans have. Give them blue IC (MyKad) to start with,” Zaid added.

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