By Joseph Tawie
KUCHING: The Borneo Research Institute Malaysia (Brimas) has questioned the recent appointment of engineer Tan Joo Phoi, as the assistant minister in charge of environmental matters linked to the controversial construction of hydro-dams at Murum, Baran, Limban and Baleh.
“We know Tan is an engineer by training but what has that qualification got to do with the environment,” Mark Bujang, Brimas executive director asked.
He pointed out that if Chief Minister Taib Mahmud had appointed someone with an environmental qualification, then at least “he could understand and pay close attention to environment.”
“Is Taib trying to rebut allegations and arguments put forward by the NGOs that such dams will not bring benefit to the people, but miseries and hardships only?
“They should consider building infrastructure such as road, electricity, water and other basic amenities. These dams only benefit the industries and the rich people,” Bujang added.
Tan, who is the chairman of the Padawan Municipal Council was appointed as assistant minister in a minor state cabinet reshuffle last week. He is to take up his appointment from 2 April 2010.
Meanwhile the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA) has reservations over the Tan’s appointment.
SADIA, which along with Brimas has been in the forefront against the construction of the dams, is wondering if Tan’s appointment is just “another window dressing, aimed at misleading the people.”
“We have reservations about how much Tan’s ministry can do? Will his ministry be another government body ignoring the plight of the people who will be affected by the dams?, SADIA’s secretary-general Nicholas Mujah asked.
Mujah said despite assurance by Sarawak government leaders of their economic benefits, the proposed dams which are to be constructed in the State will have serious ramifications on the livelihood of the natives as seen by the existing Batang Ai Hydro dam in Lubok Antu, and the yet-to-be completed Bakun Hydro dam and the proposed Bengoh dam not far from Kuching.
Built at a cost of RM600 million, the Batang Ai hydro dam that began its construction in 1982 and became operational in 1994 submerged some 21,000 hectares of land, the bulk of it was NCR land and affected 418 families from 26 longhouses.
“These families who had to be moved out from the area for a new “beginning”, lost everything – their livelihood, their land, their cultural heritage and their roots, “ said Mujah.
While some, he said, received compensations, there were others who received nothing they were unable to prove their customary rights over their land.
“There were some who received their compensations just before the 2006 state elections – some 24 years later. There were also sad stories of those who received their compensations earlier, as shopkeepers and car companies took advantage of their quick riches. Today they are poorer as compared to the pre-dam period.
“The promise of new ‘beginning’ did not materialize. The two acres of land promised to each family are grossly inadequate. Worst still when a family extends. Even though the dam supplies electricity to all parts of Sarawak, the longhouses near the dam are yet to be supplied with electricity such longhouses at Ensawang,” he said.
Extracted from: Free Malaysia Today
Source: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/fmt-english/politics/sabah-and-sarawak/3896-swak-ngos-reticent-over-new-taib-appointee
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