Traitors Sarawak Dept Hits Out At Environment Groups On Socmed

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In an unusual twist, the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) took to social media to respond directly to several NGOs that claimed the agency was avoiding confrontation, accusing the groups of being “traitors to the nation” and “servants of foreign NGOs”.
The issue stemmed from a seminar held in Osaka Metropolitan University on Nov 12, which coincided with Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg’s trip to Japan, where he was awarded the prestigious “The Order of the Rising Sun” award.
Activists from The Borneo Project and Save Rivers said they went to Japan to confront FDS director Hamden Mohammad, who was a guest speaker at the seminar, to question him about a controversial timber license issued to Borneoland Timber Resources Sdn Bhd.
However, activists Lerroy Lemen of Keruan Organisation and Save Rivers director Celine Lim claimed that the seminar was called off at the last minute, in a press conference following the cancellation.
The NGOs then took to their Facebook pages, describing the cancellation as “an act of extraordinary cowardice which reflects what always happens in Sarawak, where the halls of power are closed to grassroots stakeholders”.
‘Instigation agenda’
Unimpressed, FDS left comments on the posts, saying the seminar was not cancelled but only allowed limited participation.
The department alleged that Lerroy had falsely registered for the seminar as a member of the Japan Tropical Forest Action Network but was turned away by the organiser.
“Such an attempt is obviously solely driven by their agenda to instigate the indigenous community by playing on the alleged deforestation narrative, all of which is irrelevant to the academic seminar on scientific research.
“True enough, they have carried out a press conference simply to get attention.
“The native community in Ulu Baram, through the community chiefs and headmen, has requested and strongly supported the development to meet the community needs in Ulu Baram, including road connectivity, basic infrastructure, and sustainable development projects,” the department stated.
FDS also called out Lerroy for saying Johari did not deserve the award and urged the relevant authorities to investigate the activist.
Press conference by Keruan Organisation and Save RiversOn the issuance of a timber licence to Borneoland Timber Resources, FDS said the matter is now subject to a court review, and further comment would amount to sub judice and obstruct the court process.
The statement was also published on their website’s front page.
Responding to a separate post by the activists, the department also left comments accusing the NGOs of having their own agenda.
“These people are traitors to the nation, dividing the harmony of the indigenous communities. They are servants to foreign NGOs that fund their immoral activities.”
‘Get your info right, boy’
Unimpressed with the accusations, Save Rivers called out FDS for their remarks.
“We would appreciate it if all our formal letters, inquiries, and evidence-based reports were formally responded to, instead of responding here on Facebook.
“(And) as a Sarawakian-led indigenous peoples organisation, we have the mandate under our democratic Constitution to exercise our role as civil society to check-and-balance our own government,” they said, tagging Suhakam’s Facebook page.
Upping the ante, one of the department’s officers left a comment saying: “Better get your information right, boy, before you so confidently drag an organisation into your twisted facts unnecessarily.
“Which communities are being sidelined? I thought the communities of Upper Baram rejected your involvement because of the facts and the way you portray them.
“Sorry lah boy, I cannot accept just let you tarnish a good organisation like Itto (International Tropical Timber Organisation), who funds community development, and they are not, as you claimed, bringing destruction to the forest.
“How many millions have you brought in to assist with community development? Or you claimed to be the indigenous, did you suffer with them back in your own village?
“Be smarter, more action, talk less b******t.”
Malaysiakini has reached out to the department, including the director’s office, for comments. - Mkini

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