‘No dam, no road’ statement condemned
MIRI: The Borneo Protection Action Committee ( BPAC) deplores the statement ‘no dam, no road’ by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing which was published on June 30.
In expressing their disappointment at a press conference here yesterday, BPAC chairman Philip Jau said the people of Baram were angered by the statement as most viewed it as disrespectful, childish and uncalled for.
“As a seasoned politician and a senior minister and in his capacity as a deputy chief minister, he should instead be more sensitive towards the feelings and emotions of the people while at the same time be aware of their needs, in particular those in rural areas like Baram.
“Masing should respect the people’s choice as they had made up their minds not to have the Baram dam constructed,” Philip said.
He stressed that the government is obliged to provide all the necessities to the people, especially to Baram which is far left behind compared to other constituencies in the state.
“Logging activities had been going on in Baram for the past 40 years, and we believe that billions of ringgit worth of timber had been taken out of our backyard.
“What have we got in return?” he asked.
He questioned what development the people in Batang Ai, Bakun, Murum and Bengoh where dams were built have enjoyed.
“Where are the infrastructure and the basic facilities in these areas where dams are constructed? Even if there are ( facilities), they are of poor quality,” Philip added.
He argued that the people of Bakun, Batang Ai, Murum and Bengoh had sacrificed their land, culture and tradition to give way to the construction of the mega dams but they had received nothing in return.
Philip also questioned the government’s reasoning that it is difficult to realise the road to Ulu Baram as there is no dam to spur economic transformation in the constituency.
“I have seen the plan for the road which was supposedly built in Baram should the dam is constructed.
“However, the road does not connect to any of the six longhouses and any other longhouses up until Bario but just a 56km stretch road from Long Lama to the dam site.
“There has never been any plan to build a proper road from Long Lama to Ulu Baram,” he claimed.