Kuching, Sept 16, 2012: Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian has accused the Barisan Nasional leaders of falling asleep when they are supposed to look after the rights and interests of Sarawakians.
“Those leaders who were meant to take care of our interests have been asleep on their watch,” he said in his speech at the Malaysia Day celebration at Chonglin Park here.
He said the rights and interests of Sarawakians, which the founding fathers were so eager to safeguard and which were inscribed in the Malaysian Agreement, had been insidiously chipped away over the past years.
He stressed that when Sarawak and Sabah agreed to form the Federation of Malaysia, along with Malaya and Singapore some 49 years ago, our forefathers had a firm belief that this federation would be a real partnership, striving together for their mutual security, development and prosperity.
“Our forefathers greeted that day with huge dreams and mighty aspirations.
“Sarawak and Sabah being lands rich with oil, timber, gold, fertile lands and a harmonious and hardworking people, they had everything to look forward to.
“The future was brimming with the promise of a federation of vibrant, thriving countries, populated by happy, healthy and secure peoples of various races and ethnicities,” he added.
“But after 49 years we ask ourselves:
“Does every citizen benefit from the immense wealth of our country? Does everyone have access to the basic amenities of this modern era such as electricity, clean water and proper healthcare?
“Are our lands and heritage being protected for the future generations? Are our children receiving the best educational opportunities? Are our Sarawakian and Sabahan workers highly skilled and meaningfully employed?
“Have the dreams of our founding fathers been realized? Or have those dreams turned into nightmares for countless people who call this once ‘fair land’ Sarawak home?
“Why are we constantly saying ‘Barang naik, barang naik’ and finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet?
“Why are the Malays of Kampung Sampadi unhappy that the surrounding lands where they ‘cari makan’ were included in a lease issued to a company owned by outsiders?
“Why are the Ibans of Melikin still struggling to defend their ancestral lands from the marauding plantation companies?
“Why are the Kayans and Kenyahs of Baram fighting to stop the drowning of their lands by the dam builders?
“Why are the people of Bakun still waiting for compensation for the lands taken from them almost 13 years ago?
“What happened to our lands, forests, our trees and natural resources?” he asked.
“Tragically, the betrayers of the people are not strangers but our own leaders,” he said.
“And so today, the native landowners have lost their lands, their heritage and their birthright. The citizens of Sarawak and Sabah have lost the elements of control over their own destiny, elements for which our founding fathers meticulously negotiated,” Baru added.
He said he has a vision of a government led by humble leaders who serve the rakyat with integrity,never forgetting that they are but the servants of the people on whose goodwill and co-operation they are entirely dependent.
“In my vision, our schools teach a first rate curriculum and our children are given every opportunity to acquire skills and qualifications to properly prepare them to face the challenges of life.
“In my vision, the government provides safe and adequate infrastructure for the people and sound policies for economic development and growth.
“In my vision, the airwaves and television screens carry balanced and accurate news so that the people are properly informed.
“In my vision, the people are free to practice the religion of their choosing without any interference from the authorities.
“In my vision, the sick and infirm are given the best medical care.
“In my vision, Sarawakians and Malaysians of all races who have the determination and drive are given equal opportunity to succeed and prosper.
“I am told by the nay-sayers that I can only continue to dream about bringing a change to the lives of the poor and the marginalized. Those who have the most to lose are fearful of change and therefore pour scorn on my dreams, my hopes and my vision.
“But I know all of you who are standing here today share my dreams. I know that the people in the far reaches of the interior hills, from Long Semadoh in Ba’ Kelalan to Kampung Rejoi-Nyegolin the Bengoh ranges share my dreams.
“I know that the people of the rivers, from Kapit on the Rejang River to Marudi on the Baram River share my dreams. I know that the people of the towns, from Lundu in the East to Limbang in the West share my dreams.
“The dreams of our forefathers may have been crushed by the ruthless and greedy pretenders who came in the night. But we, the people of Sarawak are a resilient people.
“We now reject the nightmare inflicted upon us by those who have stolen from us. We have begun to revive the dreams that were dreamt for us by those who came before us.
“Your presence here today is testament to my unshakable belief that we all share the same dreams, that we will play our part to ensure that our beautiful country is a place where peace and prosperity prevails, where justice and fairness and equality are the right of every citizen,” he said.
He said that the leaders from Pakatan Rakyat have wholeheartedly consented to honour the Malaysian Agreement that was signed by our forefathers which, up until today, the government has preferred to ignore.
He added that spirit of the Kuching Declaration is ignited and will continue to glow in our hearts as a constant hope and indeed of the promise, of better days to come. By Sematong Express
