KUCHING, Dec 23, 2014: Swiss-based international
non-governmental organisation Bruno
Manser Fund (BMF), in its Christmas Day's message, says that 2014 has seen some
major changes in Sarawak which make us hopeful for the future.
"After 33 years in power, long-term Chief Minister
Taib Mahmud stepped down on Feb 28, 2014. It seems clear that he was forced to
resign by the Malaysian Federal Government," BMF said in a statement.
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| A Penan family in the deep interior of Baram |
It added:"Sarawak's new Chief Minister, Adenan
Satem, surprised everyone with strong statements against illegal logging and
for the conservation of the Borneo rainforests.
"We do hope that this is not merely a change of rhetorics
but that, under Adenan, the Sarawak state government will implement better
policies, respecting the environment and the indigenous communities'
rights," it said.
It said Save Sarawak Rivers, one of BMF's partners in
Malaysia, have scored a major success by maintaining two blockades against the
planned Baram dam construction for over one year.
"While resistance against the Baram dam and further
detrimental dam projects has grown significantly, the Baram dam conflict is
likely to become a key issue decisive for the future of Sarawak's indigenous
peoples.
"In late October, BMF director Lukas Straumann's
book Money Logging: On the Trail of the Asian Timber Mafia on deforestation and
corruption was launched.
"It generated significant international interest
during a book promotion tour to Malaysia, Japan, the United States and
Canada.
"We would like to thank you for your support
throughout this year and would like to invite you to make a donation for BMF to
continue our work in 2015," BMF said.
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