Why do Sarawak’s Indigenous People Vote BN?
In view of this, Pakatan Rakyat coordinator Zaid Ibrahim asked why then are they still casting their ballots in favour of Barisan Nasional?
“We need development, but not at the expense of the indigenous communities,” he stressed during a workshop titled ‘Rights delayed are rights denied’ in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
The one-day workshop, organised by Sahabat Alam Malaysia, attracted some 70 participants.
Zaid also underscored the importance of organised development which does not overlook the rights of the indigenous communities.
“NGOs and Sahabat Alam activists should work closely and illustrate the strength of small groups which can bring about a bigger difference at large,” he added.
Pakatan is more sensible
Contrary to the ruling coalition, the former Umno member who joined PKR said that Pakatan is committed to the protection and preservation of the rights of indigenous people.
To illustrate his point, Zaid cited the ‘Sagong Tasi vs Selangor government’ case which involved 38 acres of land belonging to an indigenous community being taken for the construction of the Nilai-Banting highway.
He said Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had withdrawn the case when Pakatan seized control of the state following the March 2008 general election.
“This shows that the Pakatan government is more sensible,” noted Zaid, who was a former law minister.
“The state government believes in protecting the rights of indigenous people and will continue to treat the Orang Asli community with the respect they deserve and that should have been accorded to them from the beginning,” he added, taking a swipe at former menteri besar Mohd Khir Toyo’s administration.
As for the Bakun dam in Sarawak, he asked: “What happened to the RM300 million allocated for the relocation and as direct compensation to the indigenous families when the dam was built?”
Zaid also wanted to know if the allocation was audited by any independent auditors.
National policy needed
Earlier, Sahabat Alam councilor member Mohideen Abdul Kader told participants that there is a pressing need for a national policy that will guarantee respect for the rights of indigenous people and their economic choices.
He said the absence of good democratic governance and sound policy on native rights are the root causes for the violation of human security, property and the right to a safe and clean environment in Baram, Sarawak.
He added that the Penan in Baram are threatened by unsustainable logging, construction of expensive dams and infrastructure projects and the deforestation process.
The blockades erected by the Penan were also forcefully dismantled by the police allowing access to logging trucks into the forested areas.
Mohideen stressed that a national policy should only be implemented with public consultation.
Zaid had also lauded the proposal for such a national policy.
Apart from activists, the workshop also saw the participation of several Penan community leaders, including Sarawak Penan Association chairperson Unga Panen.
- February 7th
it the voter choice…they choose the goverment of the day..the only way for them to realise is tru help from oposition politician base in west malaysia to bring up the issue n publicity to this problem otherwise they will continue voteing for bn till kingdom come
cheers!
BN knows how to make promises comes election.
There are many reasons why indigenous people (IP) vote for BN. 1 BN uses money to buy votes. 2 Promise of development.
3 They control the community leaders. These community leaders are threatened with dismissal if they are not helping BN. 4 The IP themselves could be easily cheated, intimidated and enticed due to their ignorant and simple mind. Few examples are; i. they are told that their children will not be given text books, not given place in university, those sons/daughters who are gov’t servants will not be promoted, and whatever subsidies will not be given to them. ii. They are told that the computer will be able to find out if they do not vote for BN. These examples seem ridiculous but the IP believe. 5 In fact the BN are not strong as they seem to be. Beside PERMAS and PBDS time, the opposition are only able to give a token challenge in the election thereinafter. You ask all those candidates from PKR, SNAP and MDC who stood in the last state election as to their prime problem. Money. PKR who are supposed to help in this aspect only managed to give about RM10,000.00. You tell me, what can you do with this money. It is enough to cover the election deposit and council deposit. Compare this with the amount received by BN’s candidates. RM300,000.00 cash in brief case. Beside this money, they have the advantages like the services of government agencies - information departments, TV and radio, resident, DOs, Pemancha, Temenggong, Penghulu, Tuai Rumah, Councillors, JKKK, teachers, PDRM, Military Intelligence and the safe votes from postal voters. All these force multiplier can only be matched by the opposition if they have enough logistic support and most important of all, they must be prepared at least 1 year before election. Of course, I am able to tell more, but it means nothing. If PKR, wants to capture Sarawak with only promise to the likely candidates and the Rakyat, you can fly kite. Anwar must be sincere. Tell the candidates how much money he can give each candidate so that the candidate can plan for himself. Anwar is afraid of defection if the candidates won. Well, his fear is understandable. But not all candidates are the same species with Johnical Rayong. There are always chaff among the grains, in PKR, DAP, UMNO. etc, same. For those candidates, who want to contest in the election, don’t just bring your balls. Have some logistic support of your own. IF the advantages are taken away from BN candidates, I believe they are not invincible. Money is needed not to buy votes like BN. Hiring of long boats, vans, to compensate some parties workers, foods and drinks, petrol, posters, banners, maintenance of operation rooms, telephones etc, need money. My very humble advice to those who aspire to be candidates from PKR, get an assurance from those concerned as to the exact amount they are willing to help, if not, you will be very disappointed like those in the last election. No money don’t try your luck. For PKR, don’t lie, be sincere. If you can help, well and good, if you can’t, just say so. Don’t give stupid reason that money cannot be taken in to Sarawak. You can tell that to a retarded child not even retarded man or woman. I am angry because I want you to win.
Yes everything is money. No money no talk. For those who want to be a candidate in election, you must have a lot of money. If you don`t have money, don`t dream to become YB.
Rega kitai semina RM 5.00 aja.
1. MONEY is needed when you enter sarawak. At least you have enough money for campainer to enter the whole of sarawak.
2. Dr pschology ia needed also to change the mindset of people in sarawak especially the villagers.
3.You need to “buy” the headman of every villager. Exp: promising something that can make change in their village.
Why the iban esp. vote BN? Becos THEY LIKE TO BE FOOLED by the empty promises. Lepas bepilih Rising-rising mandang ke ngeli rabang.Haiiiii……wai.