3 October 2023
Topik Pada Hari Ini
> Peter Kalang, Pengerusi Save Rivers Network - Risiko Keruntuhan Empangan: Empangan Bakun Di Antara 8 Empangan Berisiko di Malaysia
> Alexander Lehan dari Belaga - Penduduk Sungai Asap Mempersoal Cadangan Empangan Baram dalam Konteks Keprihatinan Empangan Bakun
> Nunggang dari Long Liam, Ulu Baram - Suara Penentangan: Berterusan Menentang Empangan Baram
> Geoffrey Tang, Presiden ROSE - Keperluan Pembangkang dalam Pentadbiran untuk Keseimbangan
On Today Show
> Peter Kalang, Chairman of Save Rivers Network – Risks of Dam Collapse: Bakun Dam Among 8 Dams at Risk in Malaysia
> Alexander Lehan from Belaga – Sungai Asap Residents Question Baram Dam Proposal Amid Bakun Dam Concerns
> Nunggang from Long Liam, Ulu Baram – Voices of Resistance: Baram's Determined Stand Against Dams
> Geoffrey Tang, President of ROSE – Balancing Act: The Need for Opposition in Governance
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Special Randau
1. Bakun is one of the 8 dams that pose a risk to the safety of the residents.
2. PAS does not appeal the court's decision to overturn its candidate's victory in the Kemaman Parliament. PAS candidate Che Alias Hamid was disqualified due to bribery.
3. In the Pelangai by-election, BN is leading, but it's not comfortable yet.
4. PAS candidate Ahmad Amzad's victory in the Kuala Terengganu Parliament was also nullified by the court due to bribery. The question is, where did PAS get so much money for bribery and buying votes?
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Peter Kalang, Chairman of Save Rivers Network
*Risks of Dam Collapse: Bakun Dam Among 8 Dams at Risk in Malaysia*
Peter Kalang giving feedback regarding media reports published yesterday - stated that 8 dams in Malaysia are at risk of threatening the safety of the population. In the list, the Bakun dam in Belaga Sarawak is listed as a threat to the safety of the population. This report was issued by the Flying Squad Inspection Team - Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change. Peter thinks- it is a report that should be taken seriously by the government. The government of Malaysia and Sarawak should take note of the collapse of 2 dams in the city of Derna (Libya) last September 2023. According to Peter, the Bakun and Murum dams are located in heavy rain zones every year. That is around 3,300 to 3800 mm per year. In such a situation, the ability of the dam to hold a large amount of water is of great concern. Following the Sarawak government's plan to build more hydro dams in Sarawak, including in Baram, to get revenue from the sale of electricity. This is an inaccurate idea. The construction of dams only benefits a few parties. The construction of the dam also required high costs and the government had to go into debt to make it successful. This is certainly not beneficial to the rural population. Peter Kalang and friends are ready to meet with the Premier of Sarawak - A. Johari to present a more constructive view on how to improve the socio-economic status of the rural population without having to build dams or damage the environment.
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Alexander Lehan from Belaga
*Sungai Asap Residents Question Baram Dam Proposal Amid Bakun Dam Concerns*
Abang Johari's proposal to build the Baram Dam for inland power generation and controlling an excessive crocodile population has raised questions from Alexander, a Bakun Dam survivor. According to his experience, Sungai Asap had no crocodile presence before the construction of Bakun Dam. He expressed his lack of understanding regarding Abang Johari's basis for this claim and requested that Abang Johari visit Sungai Asap to witness the situation firsthand.
Alexander highlighted the profound losses suffered by the Sungai Asap community following the completion of Bakun Dam. These losses encompassed the availability of livable land, as the compensation received was insufficient for the growing number of family members forced to relocate, leading to subsequent generations growing up without knowledge of their ethnic languages and the destruction of their culture.
The construction of dams typically involves the development of roads as part of the project's requirements. However, Alexander pointed out that Sungai Asap's roads suffered continuous damage, primarily because trucks transporting timber contributed to road degradation. Inland trees were also being felled, further altering the landscape.
He emphasized that Bakun Dam had brought about dramatic changes in the way of life for the Sungai Asap community, and he invited Baram residents to visit Sungai Asap to witness the consequences of dam construction firsthand.
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Nunggang from Long Liam, Ulu Baram
*Voices of Resistance: Baram's Determined Stand Against Dams*
Nunggang from Ulu Baram expresses frustration over the tactics used by some to pressure the people of Baram. He mentions that in the past, there were threats like "no dam, no road," and now they are being asked to choose between "electricity or crocodiles." He questions whether the GPS government believes that the people of Baram are gullible.
He points out that looking at international examples, many countries are no longer relying on giant dams for development. According to him, this approach is outdated and not what they want in terms of dam construction.
Nunggang was actively involved in the previous anti-dam movement, and he emphasizes that even with the completion of the Bakun and Murum dams, they have not been fully utilized.
He mentions that if you look at Sungai Asap, a community affected by the dams, their lives have not significantly improved. The benefits of the Bakun Dam did not reach the Sungai Asap community, highlighting the disconnect between dam construction and the impacted communities. Recent media reports have also indicated that there are eight dams in Malaysia, including Bakun Dam, considered to be in dangerous conditions, putting people at risk, almost akin to endangering lives.
He believes that the representatives who have been serving the GPS government, such as village heads and tribal chiefs, should prioritize the people's interests and not just advocate for the government's agenda. They should be leaders serving the people's interests rather than being mere government followers.
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Geoffrey Tang, President of ROSE
*Balancing Act: The Need for Opposition in Governance*
In the midst of the ongoing session of the Terengganu State Assembly, where there is no opposition, a situation that mirrors the outcomes of the last state election where all contested seats were won by a single party, Geoffrey raises some important points.
Geoffrey observes that in this situation, where voters have given their mandate and those who didn't manage to secure their seats have missed their opportunity to voice their concerns, it reflects the consequence of letting others vote on their behalf.
However, there is a potential advantage here for investors. Investors often seek stability in government, especially when it aligns with their interests. A government with a two-thirds majority can amend the constitution, as seen recently in Sarawak, where amendments have been made to allow only Sarawakians to contest in Sarawak elections and enable Sarawakians to apply for Bumiputra status.
Nonetheless, a significant weakness emerges in a government that is too dominant. In such a scenario, checks and balances become challenging, and monitoring potentially flawed decisions becomes elusive. This is a valid concern for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
The presence of a strong opposition is essential in monitoring government actions and decisions. It ensures that policies and decisions are subject to scrutiny, contributing to a healthier governance structure for any government.
In conclusion, while a dominant government can offer stability and attract investment, it is vital to strike a balance in governance. A robust opposition is essential to uphold democratic principles, ensure transparency, and hold the government accountable for its actions. The situation in the Terengganu State Assembly serves as a reminder of the importance of a vibrant political landscape that allows for effective representation and oversight.