Extracted from Malaysiakini

Extracted from Malaysiakini.com

SAM unruffled by deputy CM’s charge
Tony Thien
1:49:18 PM Aug 5, 2003

Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu claims that non-government organisations (NGOs) are sowing anti-establishment sentiments among the natives but a Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) official describes such accusations as common.

SAM’s Marudi-based field officer Jok Jau said the latest allegation that NGO’s are instigating the natives in Baram is "very common and nothing new".

"Such an allegation has been going on for a very long time," he said in response to the deputy chief minister’s claim which was published in the local papers today.

Jabu - who oversees the Rural Development Ministry - charged that the natives are being incited by "individuals pursuing personal agendas at the expense of others".

He added that "due to their (NGOs) egos and confrontational attitude, they have gone all out to ensure that the rural people are anti-government and anti-development."

This was seen to be an obvious reference to NGOs such as SAM, which is actively working with the natives in Baram and nearby Limbang division on issues concerning logging and plantation, destruction to traditional farming grounds and river pollution.

Meanwhile, Jok said the accusation is unwarranted and made without proper investigation on the ground.

According to him, SAM established its presence in Baram several years ago and its work is well-known among the Penans, Kayans, Kenyahs and other Orang Ulu tribes.

"They have a clear understanding of what we’re actually trying to do to help them. So we are not very worried (about the allegation). They (the natives) know it is good for the people," he said.

No politics

On Sarawak DAP chief Wong Ho Leng’s claim that SAM has repeatedly snubbed the party’s offer to highlight issues affecting the natives, Jok said SAM Marudi operates on guidelines laid down by its head office in Penang.

"It is not true to say that we don't want to work with anyone or any group who want to help highlight the plight of the Orang Ulu people. Our organisation is neutral. We don't want to immerse ourselves in politics," he said when asked to comment on the matter.

He said as far as he and his colleagues are concerned, such issues are everyone's concern so anyone can highlight them to draw the attention of the authorities.

However, he added that SAM's work is not merely highlighting such issues but also advocating and referring cases to the courts for either arbitration or settlement.

Jok agreed with Barisan Nasional MP for Baram Jacob Sagan who reportedly said one of the problems faced in helping the Orang Ulu is obtaining quick and accurate information.

The SAM official said the information flow is often slow, due largely to the remoteness of the areas where the natives live, the lack of proper roads and the lack of proper communication channels with urban areas.

Jok added that complaints from natives against logging or plantation company activities in areas where they reside would take as long as a week to get to the SAM office.

"Sometimes they might make use of the radio call services from the logging companies. This depends on their relationship with the companies concerned," he said.

According to Jok, SAM sometimes refers the natives’ grouses to the state assembly person and MP concerned.