Majority of community leaders are appointed by the Government of Barisan Nasional. The purpose of their appointments is not to defend the rights of their people, but to be used as tools by the BN Administration to scare, intimidate and manipulate folks in their communities, to agree to land grabbing and the environmental destruction of their land and habitat. Recently, four Penan community leaders were bribed with a trip to China so that they can be impressed by the already completed Three Gorges Dam. Upon their return. they agreed that Baram Dam will benefit the people of Baram. China is a communist country which is known for its blatant disregards of human rights. This is a country where a couple is not allowed to have more than one child! These four Penan community leaders probably were not briefed regarding the hardship and problems effecting the local people due to the construction of Three Gorges Dam. The four Penan community leaders probably would not understand Chinese, even if the local folks dared to criticize and talk about their sufferings to them! What exactly is SEBs purpose to send them to China, if this is not a form of bribery to the community leaders? If the community leaders really care about the real story behind the construction of dams and how dams affect the local people, why dont they take the initiative to go to Bakun, Murum and Batang Ai and talk to the people in the areas and find out for themselves? Many community leaders and village chiefs who agree to the construction of Baram Dam are no better than a pack of hunting dogs, to bark as loud as possible and to go after their prey, hoping to be thrown bones or leftovers from their BN towkays dinner tables as a reward! If Bakun Dam breaks, it would be catastrophic for thousands of people living in the downstream areas. Therefore, the problems associated with dams are also problems for all of us!
Posted on: Tue, 27 May 2014 05:49:21 +0000
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