By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 26: A council comprising all the community leaders and village chiefs (KMKK) of the Penan community in Baram, has submitted a resolution declaring their support for the Sarawak government and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for development plans for the Penan community.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said the resolution served as a testament that the Penan KMKK Council is the rightful channel of communication and voice for the Penan community and not any non-governmental organisation (NGO) or other parties who claim to speak for or represent the Penans.
“Basically, they do not want NGOs to interfere and stop development for the Penan community,” he said in a statement today.
Gerawat received the resolution from the council represented by Pemancha Hennesser Uning Bong during a ‘Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat’ event held at Ba’ Muboi in Ulu Baram yesterday (Aug 25).
During his speech at the event, Gerawat described the meeting as historic as it marks the first time that Penan leaders throughout Baram had gathered for discussion.
He also said the consensus achieved during the meeting will free the Penan community from the influence of NGOs that oppose developments and the government.
“For so long, half of our Penan community has been influenced by these anti-development NGOs. Thus, the situation and position of the Penan people who are involved with these NGOs have not changed or developed.
“These NGOs have their own agenda and interests and do not aim to help and assist the Penan community. What do they help and do for the Penan community? All solar that supplies electricity to Penan villages, telecommunication towers, roads to Penan villages, house roof aid and other assistance are provided by the government and not these NGOs,” he stated.
He also mentioned that the Premier has clarified that the Sarawak government will not force development in any area if the local folk have expressed their refusal.
However, in refusing, Gerawat stressed that the local community will be left behind compared to receiving the development projects that could better their livelihood.
“We still lack development that the NGOs could not provide. Only the government can help us with building roads, supplying electricity, water supply and telecommunication services.
“Now, the government is planning to have the existing road construction up to Data Bila to be extended up to Pengaran Iman, Pengaran Kalian, Long Benali and Long Lellang. We want to connect all villages in Baram with roads first so that other developments could be brought in later,” he added.
Gerawat also gave his word to the Penan KMKK Council that the resolution will be responded to with action, apart from arranging a meeting between the Council and the Premier.
He also proposed the Council to be registered, followed by opening an official bank account to facilitate the channeling of funds to support their activities.
“I will grant Minor Rural Project (MRP) funds worth RM15,000 for the Penan KMKK Council pending the opening of their bank account,” he said. — DayakDaily
