By Simon Peter
KUCHING, Nov 18, 2014:
Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian stressed that illegal logging and corruption
in Sarawak are crimes which have been long-standing and that Sarawak has paid a
heavy price over the last few decades.
" It is undeniable that the economy, the environment
and the people have suffered heavy losses. In fact, this was one of the major
issues we highlighted to Chief Minister Adenan Satem when State PKR leaders had
a meeting with him in October this year," he said at a press conference on
the sidelines of the State Assembly sitting here.
Baru: Adenan should also conduct investigations on shocking allegations revealed in "Money Logging".
"While he is on this mission to protect the rights
of Sarawak and Sarawakians, I urge him to order a thorough and impartial
investigation on the shocking allegations and the evidence revealed in the book
‘Money Logging: On The Trail Of The Asia Timber Mafia’ by Bruno Manser Fund
executive director Lukas Straumann. The book was launched in Kuching recently.
"The scale of corruption exposed is the reason that
Sarawak is one of the poorest states in Malaysia despite being wealthy in
natural resources.
"The ‘big fish’ is still swimming freely in cool
waters while the smaller fish are feeling the heat. This is the one big thing
that has ‘painted a bad name on us internationally’, to borrow his words.
"I would also urge him to look into the cries of the
indigenous people who are struggling so hard to defend their lands against the
dam builders.
"The activities of the various parties involved in
clearing the land and building dams and the deals signed between them must be
scrutinized for elements of corruption.
"He should consider for himself why the previous
administration started on this dam-building frenzy and whether there is really
a need to destroy huge tracts of lands, drowning the homes of thousands of
people.
"Therefore while we are heartened that some steps
have been taken in this fight against corruption, we will continue to be
watchful – for concrete steps to be taken, for reports from the MACC and for
results to be shown in convictions and restitutions," Baru, who is also
the State lawmaker for Ba'Kelalan, said.
However, Baru praised Adenan for his firm stance on
illegal logging and corruption.
He said that it is also encouraging that 21 government
agencies, corporations and contractors have signed the Corporate Integrity
Pledge.
"However, it is the implementation of the pledge in
their everyday activities that counts and the degree of compliance by these
parties remains to be seen.
"What the Chief Minister has done is a start, but
the results must be seen, if the skeptics and cynics are to be convinced.
"The MACC must take the Chief Minister’s statement
seriously and be given enough resources, and protection if necessary, to
investigate every complaint lodged with them. Ultimately, the people will judge
for themselves and it is prosecutions and convictions that we want," Baru
said.
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