Extracted from Malaysiakini

Sorrowful tale of Bakun evictees

S Pathmawathy
Sep 17, 10
12:16pm

West Malaysians are being fed "spoonfuls of sugar" but the people of Sarawak, particularly those affected by the Bakun Hydroelectric Project, are having to "chow down chillies" after having been evicted from their ancestral homes.

Telang Bengo (left), a farmer from Balui Liko in Ulu Bakun, who toured Penang and Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with Malaysia Day celebration yesterday, lamented about the distress faced by his Kayan community following the forced resettlement of the tribe to make way for the dam.

"We live a difficult life. For those here today, it is just another public holiday but for us, Sept 16 is a reminder of all the sufferings and bitterness we have had to put up with all these years," Telang said.

"When we were asked to move from Ulu Bakun to the Sungai Asap Resettlement Scheme, they promised each family three acres of land.

"But our families have grown since 1998 and it is not enough to accommodate us all," he said.

The poor farmer recounted his story in a song, in traditional Kayan, on the disastrous effects of development on their livelihood.

Telang is touring the peninsula with several other traditional performers from Belaga to bring the plight of his community to the attention of the urban residents, in the hope the federal government will look into their welfare.

"Our soil can no longer sustain our livelihood and we have been treated like animals in our own home," lamented the 56-year-old.

The musical group comprising Kayan Cultural Association president Miku Loyang, Saran Juna, 61, a traditional Ngajat dancer and Kuit Kilah, 55, from the Penan community, had performed at an event organised by Malaysian Elections Observers Network (MEO-Net) at the Central Market Annexe last night.

Living in 'reverse development'

Speaking to reporters at the event, association member and human rights advocate Abun Sui Anyit said Sarawakians hoped the government would adhere to the Malaysia Agreement signed on Sept 16, 1963, and fulfil the promises made to Sabah and Sarawak.

"Unlike the social contract, the Malaysia Agreement is more concrete and in-depth... all we want is our rights and privileges accorded to us then to be fulfilled today," said Abun.

Malaysia Day is significant and close to the hearts of Sabahans and Sarawakians, reiterated Abun, but not for the best of reasons but for the worst.

"It reminds me of the pain and struggles for the most basic of human rights, which have been taken away from us in the name of development and modernity."

Abun said that some 10,000 indigenous people have only experienced "reverse development" as their living conditions continued to degrade everyday.