Writer says will not retract a single word in his book, despite Taib's warning

KUCHING, Oct 31, 2014: Sarawak Governor Abdul Taib Mahmud has instructed his London lawyer, Mishcon de Reya, to stop the international launch of Money Logging: On the Trail of the Asian Timber Mafia, according to Bruno Manser Fund in a statement.

Lukas Straumann: I will not retract  a single word

In a letter sent to the Swiss publisher, Bergli Books, Mishcon de Reya wrote on behalf of their client,  Taib: "If the Book is published in English by a reputable publisher, it will cause colossal and irreversible harm to our client's reputation."

Taib's lawyers are asking Bergli Books "that you will not publish the Book." In a similar letter to Amazon UK, Mishcon de Reya are demanding that Amazon "will not distribute the book".

Author Lukas Straumann is refuting Mishcon de Reya's demands and stated that he will not retract a single word as the book has been meticulously researched and is strictly fact-based.

Bergli Books have assured the Bruno Manser Fund that the book will be on the market as agreed upon. Amazon have not reacted to the letter and are still offering the book for sale.

Despite the threats by Taib's lawyers, the international book launch in Yokohama, Japan, planned for coming Monday, 3 November on the occasion of the 50th session of the International Tropical Timber Organisation, will go ahead as scheduled .

 The book was launched here two days ago, attended by  a dozen members of the local press.

Lukas Straumann (seated, left) autographing his book for members of the press.The other is Australian reporter Paul Malone autographing his book The Peaceful People: The Penan And Their Fight For The Forest