Smallholders protest alleged interference in land case
KOTA KINABALU: The two plaintiffs who obtained an injunction to prevent the transfer of smallholder lands at Lahad Datu Bagahak land scheme have reiterated their firm objection to alleged attempt by the government-linked companies (GLC) to withdraw their injunction.
Andurangan Bin Tubay, age 71, and Ettin Bin Ali, age 83, both pensioners, had obtained an injunction in October 2018 against Borneo Samudera Sdn
Bhd and Bagahak Plantations Sdn Bhd, both of which are owned by the Sabah government, to stop the signing of a Global Settlement Agreement which will effectively transfer land at Bagahak to third parties which are private interests.
A family member of the smallholders, Dato Shuaib Bin Dato Mutalib, said the two plaintiffs were called at short notice to meet with the management of Borneo Samudera at the company office in Kota Kinabalu yesterday morning, which was the first working day after the Hari Raya festival holidays.
“The smallholders and their lawyer have made it very clear that they (plaintiffs) disagree with the attempt by the GLCs (government-linked companies) to set aside the injunction because the injunction is the only legal protection that smallholders can rely on to protect their interest in their land.
“The land is already fully developed and bearing fruits, and income for the smallholders and families, all of whom are natives of Sabah,” said Shuaib in a statement yesterday.
“We ask that the Sabah government protects us, the smallholders who are genuine Sabahans.
“We are scared that a Deputy Chief Minister might be putting political pressure on Borneo Samudera and Bagahak Plantations to sign the Global
Settlement Agreement and then transfer our land away,” he said.
“There was already a judgement by the Tawau High Court in 2014 that had nullified the illegal sale agreement done by a lawyer who is now a senior member of the Sabah cabinet.
“The Global Settlement Agreement that is now being forced upon Borneo Samudera, a 100% owned Sabah government company, will effectively reinstate that illegal sale agreement.
“At last, the Court of Appeal will get the chance to hear the appeal of that Tawau judgement on 16 June 2020.
“We ask that the Sabah government, including Cabinet ministers, let the court process takes its course. Do not put political pressures to stop the court process,” said Shuaib.