KOTA KINABALU – A Sabah-based anti-dam group has criticised Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s plan to proceed with a dam project, saying it shows the deputy chief minister has little concern for the environment and indigenous people’s land rights.
The Taskforce Against Kaiduan Dam (Takad) expressed their disappointment with Bung Moktar, the state works minister, who has now supported the dam project’s revival in Penampang.
“We are disappointed with such irresponsible statements from a deputy chief minister who is also an native (of Sabah),” said Takad chairman Diana Sipail in a statement here yesterday.
“His statements appeared to show that he has forgotten the government’s responsibility towards the environment and native customary rights.”
Takad said that the Sabah Umno chief’s action went against former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, chairman of Barisan Nasional’s advisory board, who had called the dam project to be scrapped.
Diana said that on September 30, 2020, Najib had suggested that the Sabah government cancel the Papar Dam project awarded by the former state government under Warisan, which was said to have been given through direct negotiations.
He suggested replacing this project with one related to downstream storage ponds with solar energy generators, the cost and environmental impact of which are much lower.
Takad asked if the dam project was really to resolve Sabah’s water problems, or was just another crony project with elements of corruption and abuse of power within the party proposing it.
“Why does Bung Moktar seem to ignore the accusations and suggestions from his own party leadership? Is the Works Ministry not evaluating and investigating all the allegations from the party leadership itself, and repairing and correcting all the shortcomings questioned?” asked Diana.
“We call on Bung Moktar to be transparent and fair and not just be a ‘yes man' to the stakeholders in controversial projects that have various questions of impact on customary land, environment, and have elements of corruption as well as abuse of power.”
Diana said Takad will continue its struggle to defend and save native customary land and the environment, which she said was a hereditary heritage without compromise.
“We insist on the suggestion of Universiti Malaysia Sabah professor Dr Felix Tongkul that the government use natural water reservoirs as an alternative to this dam project.
“We also urge the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the methods and requirements of this mega project, as alleged by the former prime minister.
“Takad would also like to express its disappointment with Bung Moktar and his ministry, who continue to sideline the community who are affected by making decisions without transparent and open consultation and discussion.
“Takad rejects any mega dam around the Papar river, as it has an impact on the environment and customary land. The position of Takad is to take into account environmentally friendly and indigenous alternatives.” – The Vibes, January 7, 2021
