Extracted from Malaysiakini

ROS threatens to ban anti-logging NGO

Dec 28, 09 5:39pm

Sahabat Alam Malaysia can be deregistered as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) if there is proof that it is involved in activities which threaten the nation's interest, says the Registrar of Societies (ROS), Mohd Alias Kalil.

He said the ROS office had yet to receive an official complaint against SAM which had been actively involved in activities against commercial logging and plantation development, besides the building of dams in this country.

Speaking at a news conference while visiting the ROS office in Miri today, he said more information was required before they could take action against the organisation which had been active for over 30 years.

He assured that the ROS office would monitor SAM closely and any other NGO which acted extremely in fighting for their cause.

SAM puzzled

In an immediate response, SAM honorary secretary Meena Raman said that it was puzzling as to what motivated the ROS to issue such a threat.

"We do not know what the ROS is referring to. It come as a complete surprise to us. Moreover, there is no official letter from them," she said when contacted today.

She added that SAM has been at the forefront of protecting the country's rainforests and advocating regeneration of mangroves.

"I do not see how this is undermining the nation's interest as it is in line with Prime Minister Najib Razak's pledge in Copenhagen to address the issue of deforestation," she said.

Meena, 51, stressed that the nation's development must balanced with the need to protect the environment.

705 organisations deregistered

Meanwhile, Mohd Alias said the relevant agencies under the Home Ministry should also take follow-up action to ensure that the organisations do not operate illegally after their registration with ROS had been cancelled.

Mohd Alias said throughout the year, 705 organisations were deregistered.

He said only a small number of cases were caused by their flouting regulations which allowed them to operate legally.

“Most of the organisations were deregistered because they failed to submit their annual reports," he said.