Yet it is sad to reflect after all our scientific advancement he has lost his toes but if not properly follow up, he could lose more later on. He said had he went to the hospital earlier he would have lost only one toe. But the pain was unbearable that he agreed to have the other toe operated.

His toes died and rot because the blood flow to the tissues had been compromised leaving the cells to die because of lack oxygen and nutrition. What really happened at the cell level is everybody guess. But is there someone who ensure that the blood supply may run normal….. as far as modern medicine is concerned, amputation is done to save the rest of the limb and the patient as it has no other answers.

Earlier I have posted “no more amputations” as TEH C’NZAK produced earlier by a friend has the effect of helping the extremities to have new arterioles. Now with the reduction of one component it does not seem to have the same effect as before. Whether the lesser effect is due to the new method of just shredding instead of chopping as done earlier has to be unraveled later. However there is a herbal answer to the scourge of amputation of limbs due to diabetes.

There are also other claims of herbal remedies available. Evidently the need to do better studies to find an answer for those who face similar problems as faced by my friend.

(1) When do you think when is the State General Election?

It is coming very soon. Just be ready now till Taib dissolves the State Assembly and it will be over in 9 days. Three days before Nomination day and seven days campaigning- the least number of days required by the Law. Thus just get ready your votes. Expect it to be in March or thereafter if it is decided that it could not wait for the Federal Election. Now with the turmoil in PKR, GE13th may be called earlier. Thus for the first time in our history there will be a simultaneous general elections since 1974.

(2) Will you stand and where?

I have left this decision to all my supporters especially the Working Committee of STAR where decisions will be made at the appropriate time as has been in all my political career. When I was in SNAP, I always left that decision to our Divisional Committee and the Party President. Since then, the decision is left  to our key supporters and STAR Working Committee.

These are the most common questions I have been asked these days..It is hoped that we stop asking the above questions but instead focus on asking questions about ourselves and BN leaders as follows:

(a) Are you happy with the performance of our Ministers, Assistant Ministers and our current elected representatives?

If you are happy with the loss of subsidies leading to all the present woes of price increases, then fine. No worry, be happy and continue as is.. voting or not voting the way you have been.

If not, then ask yourselves the next much needed question:

(b) What can I do about it?

The answer is “Change”. Change the way we approach politics.

(bi) Change the “Government/Opposition” mentally. This tactic is widely used by BN to stay in power knowing very well many would not dare to “OPPOSE” the government like the confrontation days. It is also used by selfish politicians who want to stay relevant by championing the “under-dogs”. Yet this politics practiced since the Independence of Malaya has led us to the present state of affairs where UMNO will just joist with PAS and DAP, now of PKR as well leaving our country near the verge of bankruptcy. Yet abuses of power go on unheeded.

To ensure a Better Future for all, we must consider all Opposition parties as potential Government of the Day. It is necessary then for each one of us to decide which party has a leader you can trust to look after your welfare as the next Government of the day to improve our Sate and country to a better economic standing. You must dare to reject leaders who only want to oppose and become YBs just to bark and bark, but “no cows” will come home because BN leaders do not have to listen as they know that no matter what they do they will not lose the power.

Of course you will then have to educate your friends and extended families to to think in the same way. Change will come faster if you dare to register as members and be active in the promotion that particular party. BN will find ways and means to discourage you so it is better to become its quiet member till you are ready to die for the cause.

(b2) What else?

Contribute whatever you can to a political movement you believe in.  The contribution could be in terms of time to promote and to do fund raising. The Parties which are potentially the next ruling party, remains so because they lack volunteers who can help.

BN is strong only because they have a lot volunteers and plenty of money to mobilize all resources to “entice or buy” voters of the last two days of polling even all the “alleged” votes manipulation by taxpayers’ paid staff.

Once it is fully countered as in Sibu by-election, BN will lose many more seats. They may even lose the coming State election, if only there are enough volunteers and money for the PR/KITA/SNAP/STAR to mobilize them.

(b3) what is the key needed to take over from Taib and BN?

The key is unity and humility amongst opposing contenders. What is not here now will not be there in the nine days of campaigning. Much will be lost if the arrogance of 2006 and 2008 continues. It is important that each one of us must give honest feedback to our party leadership. If the proposed candidate or party is not suitable for your area, say quickly so that the problems can be resolved amicably.

BN is using divide -to-rule tactics all along. There is no reason to expect them to stop. It is their strength but it will also be their path to future downfall especially if we know how they divide us. They have used the “communist’s tactics” to achieve success as  revealed by Taib in Council Negri after the Ming Court Affair. Briefly 3 stages,  the sweet talk first, then entice by whatever means failing which character assassinate at all costs. For instance beware of BN media saying I supported or will support BN. As STAR president, it is not logical as we have not even discussed the subject.

And many more relevant questions which we should consider so that Sarawak and Malaysia will become a better place for all so there is no need for our children and grand children to migrate to other countries which are better run.

In this light, I wish all my Chinese friends and political opponents…GONG XI FA CAI…

May Malaysia be a “HOME” to all of us…HIDUP BANGSA MALAYSIA.

It is usual before every election, rumors start to be cooked left and right by people who are planning the elections or pundits who want to know what is up. For BN planners, it would make it easier for them to plan and to find a candidate who can deliver the seat in accordance to the recommendations made by SB report. For example, Peter Namsian replaced the recommended SNAP candidate at the last minute as the best one to beat me in 1996 State election.

So why the rush? STAR will continue to monitor the political situation by listening to the wishes of its core supporters and the people generally. Now BN, PR and KITA(?Barisan KITA) are vying for support of the electorate throughout Malaysia. Let us wait to see what are they offering the people. Will BN slow down selling premium land to its “cronies” and investors at the expense of the general good?

Next  why the hurry, especially when PR already agreed amongst themselves how to beat BN in many areas. It is rumored that SUPP will get a very good hiding, no matter what or who they put up. If so, then it is one plus for the PR and a good headache for BN. BN is hoping that by meeting the demands of the Chinese on the Bako land issue will be an “effective cure for their Headache”. Only time will tell. Now SNAP is rejecting PR because it is being squeezed out of its former strongholds in the Dayak majority areas by Baru Bian and PKR. It ahs aligned itself with KITA.

Next, PKR had made the very promises which many Sarawakians wanted to hear on Oil Royalty, autonomy and other considerations while BN Sarawak produces a “White Paper” to maintain peace and security in Sarawak and announcing billions of dollars for 2011 budget. They can be considered as real concerns for developing Sarawak or pure baits to fish the “FIXED deposits”. In retrospect, who really benefits from all these “Huha”? The winner of course. Ordinary taxpayers will pay out of their pockets in taxes collected and while subsidies are being withdrawn by BN.

Meanwhile Malaysian system of government which relies heavily on political direction continues to labor under whoever hold the whip. It will do anything to save the master. By serving the Master alone and forgetting the real need for justice and fairness, often times, many would profit from being in power alone. The victim is the silent majority who are not really interested in politics because they see politics as “DIRTY”. So until the silent majority wake up and be more concern about GOVERNANCE, why should we in STAR be in the rush.

Many would cry for redemption by a few who should huff and puff for them while others would proudly declare themselves as “anti BN or pembangkang”. I have heard many said so over the years, proudly telling me that they did not even vote for me when I was in BN but sadly to admit that they yet to win. Of course, hard core DAP and PAS members and supporters are amongst these categories of voters. They have remained as an opposition since  the Independence of Malaya. With such mentality and function, BN remains the Government of the Day since.

So what is the rush if all we want is to oppose? Is it not 47 years long enough?

STAR wants to form the next Government. We are not here just to oppose. We want more people to come forward to sacrifice to form a better Government than what we have now. Even without winning we can influence the structure and function of the Government if more people want to be involved with sincerity.

It would be a great 2011 if all of us can avoid the defects of our nation, Malaysia. We need to work together to “correct” some of our faults, especially if we can reduce “the influence of money politics” amongst our less informed brothers and sisters who do not foresee the  economic  devastation created by succumbing to its power. No country can afford it in the long run. Russia communism fell down for in the end no one really do their best to survive, because is guaranteed… things to eat, place to live, etc..Greece is in trouble because a lot is expected from the Government living a life way above what the nation can produce…We, in Malaysia, is going the same road unless less and less subsidy or “legal corruption” is achieved.

Politics along racial and religious divide is another fault for us to avoid. Unless more and more can work together towards better  economic goals without further debates or thinking along those lines, Malaysia and Sarawak will never achieve its full potential to be a richer and better nation. It must begin with ourselves to be self confident of our faith and belief to leave others to breath in their own walls. Debating on who is “more holier than thou” has wrought grieves and heartaches throughout the world. It has made us “victims” for only those who are seen to be “champions” of one or another get ahead. Yet in the end, more often than not, they could not even help their own family to survive without political power.

So let us avoid all the other faults which has bogged us down to what we are to to-day. If we can learn from the success of  our national football team in this year SUZUKI cup, then Malaysia will have less faults and will have a better future….

If only we can think deeper into what the wise Greek philosopher says…avoid the defects of OUR country in 2011 by acting wisely in the coming State and Parliamentary elections…

Boy, how both my parents knew where and how to farm  because we were never short of kampong rice. They carried out all the ceremonies needed on every farm they made.  However I never pay any attention to what they were doing nor do they asked me to observe. In fact they would not like you to mess around when they did the ceremonies. They only told me not be in the way. As such, I am not well versed in the rituals they carried out.

Yet helping others was also part of her village responsibility especially when my father took over as the village Chief in 1961. By then she was also the High Priestess of the village. She was able to help in healing ceremonies where Priestesses needed to involved. Most of the time I would be left behind too. However along she would tell me what are right things to do and say especially in the Bidayuh way of life and the faith they believe in such that by the time to school, I had no problem about the Ten Commandments as all of it had been covered by my mother although she is illiterate and never hear anything about the Bible. This is because it is also our way of telling children not to do this or that or else “TULAH or POLIH”. TULAH is something like a “CURSE” which will come upon you surely and eventually without realization. POLIH is like forbidden and if you transgresses, harm may come in the way and you may fall sick or die. Normally parents would you vivid examples of villages as to who had them, when and why.

In fact my father also taught me that people who curse, berate, accuse falsely will in the end their dues. I was asking him to take all his accusers before the elders to decide on all the things I heard about each of them saying about him or even cursing him to “die, etc”. But he said, “Tanah negeh, Topa duoh Eang Sumuk Babai ngogit. Suoh balasan obuoh eyoh palih”.(” leave it alone, God and the spirit of our elders hear. All will go back to them.” He said, ” see one day. all of them who curse me to die will die before I do. ..” Sure enough over the years what he said came true. He died being the last of his generation.

When I applied “silence and my bald head” in response for all those nonsense that the conspirators said about me in 1995 and after, all had already paid their dues one way or another. None of them did well now. They may “tons of money and successes” but one day they will have none left. Many had paid for it and some is still paying despite I stopped shaving my head long long ago already. Thus it is important to remember that it is forbidden to deliberately accuse others falsely for vengeance of the Almighty will be on you.

It is also important to remember that God and our ancestors are there to protect us if we can ask for it as long as we remain pure of sins. We were often told not to “cross” any old men because their curse could be very harmful, especially the poor and the helpless, for they maybe “God’s children to test our compassion for his creation.” Of course there is a story in the Bible about a very rich man having to ask for favor from the very poor soul he had abused before in life. And I have been told that there is also a very similar of two dying men asking for favors from God. The very rich man asking for a very rare fish for his last meal was granted but a very poor and holy man asking for a drop of water to sooth his parched throat was not granted. The Angel asked GOD, “Why?” The answer was that the later will be granted his rewards in Heaven while the RICH man will be thrown into Hell so he deserves his last enjoyment before suffering into eternity.

Thus my faith were well grounded in the teachings of my parents so that whatever is taught later need not be superseded what I have been taught earlier.

She died when I was in Upper Six at Tanjong Lobang.

Life then would be very interesting for my job was just to eat and sleep or just play around catching grasshoppers for my fishing baits later. The easiest catch for me was what we called POPAK, DUDU”K and NGIBALUOK. The first two are long, POPAK bigger than DUDU”K but both are greedy species and as long as you stay silent and stay out of sight you sure catch them because they just gobbled your bait. The hardest to catch is SIPOIT – not only that they would finished your bait without swallowing your hook. In fact from this lesson I learned before going to school, I always remain my audience about “baits and their votes”. I want the voters to be like “SIPOIT than POPAK”… unless they want to be “eaten alive later”… hehehe.

The paddy field is place for fresh air and normally our farms were in the most scenic sight as far as I can remember. There is not a place I would detest. It is a place for silence and learning from my parents. They would tell me off if I did anything wrong. The most severe punishment I received was a pat on the head which was covered with a rattan tray, called “SUBUOI”, leading to a nose bleed. Unfortunately it became his worry also to stop the bleed…Hohoho. If our farm happened to next to a friend’s family that would became a bonus because I would have a friend to create havoc..My life become going to school was carefree and fun but came close to dying because of a very high fever possibly due to malaria..

But I was saved by a Malay Bomoh who made me drank a very bitter concoction and he changed my name to Patau too. Yes, many lives were lost then to infectious diseases especially to young children and also I believed my eldest sister also succumbed to malaria. I remember one year, all the babies and younger ones died almost every few days until all died. These I believe were due to Diphtheria.. Luckily I escaped them all. Cholera also killed many. Luckily these diseases left enough people to allow the original village to become five now all having more houses compared to the old village at the place called “TOLOK BLINGING”.

Yes our village was indeed a place where I grew up running around and swimming in the Sarawak Kanan river. Of course with supervision most of the time, although during the dry period with friends and peers. The village had three longhouses and a few detached ones, in fact four detached ones and one of them was my father’s bungalow. The other prominent one was my uncle, my mother’s elder brother who was then the Village Head. In the corridors of the longhouses and the “open spaces for drying’ called the “TANJUH”, we had our fun and games. It was short lived though because we abandoned it soon after the death of my sister. My parents were the first to leave. We had a farm next to our present village, actually at the back of our present house and my father built more or less a permanent one. The year was 1948 or ’49. Later after the elders decided to move the area next to our farm was chosen. This become the present Kampong Blimbin which is whoever registered the name in the District Office was a non Bidayuh who do not know how to spell BLINGING – so “Blimbin”, it stays till now. It is at this new site we moved into the current modern era, because it was my father with a few of his progressive friends that there must be a school built for us although there were very strong resistance against it in 1951.

However there were two occasions as the story goes that the Japanese soldiers wanted to “get our chickens and pigs” but for some strange reasons they never come. On the first occasion they returned upon reaching a muddy patch along the way where there used to be a lot of  water fowls, we called “SIKUKOUK” about two kilometers from the village. On the second occasion, they went back because apparently one of them died of a “Heart Attack” when crossing a river about one kilometer from our village. After that, they never bother our village.

Yet those were the days when we live in poverty compared present terms and conditions but those were the days when we were also be free and independent. There was little or no Government except rumors of “headhunters” would throw the village into a frenzy. Even the word of “JAGA PINYAMUN”(watch out there is a headhunter around) would scare the child into hiding. A warning of  “MA ODI JAK OGGI PINYUMAN” (do not go there maybe a headhunter) would stop a lot boys from venturing into those area. But it was also the days of no theft, rape or other crimes committed. It was the time when we did not need the Police or the Army. All they had was a village Head who would impose any punishment or fines on any offenders in a single session of gathering of the Elders with the witnesses and the aggrieved. Otherwise life is carefree – no formal classes or school too.

Our village consist of  three longhouses and four detached houses – one of them, my mother’s brother who also the Priest and the Village Head at that time and the other my father’s “Bangalo” with BELIAN roofing and materials, the only one with such roofing at the time. Sorry, I could not recollect the exact number of doors in each longhouse but each one had more than five doors definitely. Besides some would be empty, during the non Gawai season as the owners would be staying in six other sub-villages of Kedowon Sojuh, Kedowon Sobah, Mongag/Onai, Kaman, Buta and Koong. Now these sub villages have attained the village status of  Pedaun(KIDOWON SOBAH), Bijuray(MONGAG/ONAI), Kaman and Bijongon (BUTA). Kedowon Sojuh is still a subvillage with a few families now while Koong has been  abandoned after a devastating cholera outbreak killing many residents.

The village came alive during the festivities and communal ceremonies. Then every door would bustling with activities while we, the children would be running around the longhouses, just playing around “hide and seek”. Two of the longhouses were interconnected by the platform facing each other in an East-West position while to the North on the East side the two longhouses were connected with a single Belian post with bamboo railings acting as the Bridge. To the South sat our village Head house made from local materials. My uncle’s house was on the North end of Western longhouse. His was the only house where we had to go down/climb a staircase made from a single Tree trunk, if we were to hide there.

In this old village of Kpg Blimbin, we had our fun of growing up but also a time of grief when babies died one after the other from a diphtheria epidemic. It still sticks in my ears of the high pitch wailing of a mother in the evening to “announce the death of her child”. Those were the days of fear and sorrow. A whole generation would be wiped out. What made it more fearsome was that a bird seldom heard to-day would be heard flying over the village in the evening of such death. We were told that this bird “flies upside down”.

Not long after the death of my elder sister, we moved away from the detached House, never to return without knowing the reason why. Only lately one of cousin explained to me that it was considered “taboo” then to built a house of belian completely without other timber. One told me that our house should not have been built there because it was too close to swampy area. I still remember when we would into the swampy jungle for “hide and seek”. I remember my sister died of fever. We were just playing around the day before still but waking up next morning I asked my mother why they wrapped up my sister in white clothes. I told her it would be too hot and “How can she breathe?” But my mother cried instead.. it was the first death I witnessed first hand my three year old sister…

We moved to a farm hut next to a farm which eventually evolved into the present Kpg Blimbin site. The house I built to keep memories of our life is the fourth but on the same site more or less. It is where I grew up till I went to stay in a boarding at St Peter and Paul, now called St. Stephen in 1957. We went hunting, fishing, or just playing around in the jungle to look for anything eatable. Fish aplenty, I could catch enough for my own meals most of the time. I was not good in using the sling to catch birds or squirrel compared to others but I was pretty good in fishing and also collecting durians during the season. In fact I skipped schools on days during the durian season which is not only fun time but also it brought in good money. I collected and my parents would sell.

My standard answer is and will be the same. “Politics IS NOT dirty, but some politicians ARE and they pollute poltics making it appears dirty.” I also add, “Politics is vital to life for it determines the type of life we can have.”

In fact politics is like water and fresh air is essential for the survival and well being of mankind. Without good and healthy politics a nation can die and a new Government or nation will evolve. For instance, Malaysia was born out of the politics of Imperialism and the surge of Communism. The fear of Federation of Malaya being overwhelmed by the Communists led to the birth of Malaysia.

The need for some to have the racial security and power, they form racially based parties. Failing in achieving their forces alone they would form block of racial parties under a common agenda and symbol, BN of Malaysia. In some countries they will form a coalition after an election in order to govern as it is done now in England between the Conservative Party and Liberal Party.

A good government can help the nation to progress and achieved economic success unexpected like Singapore. A government which only talks but remain ineffective, you will have some countries like our other neighbours. Malaysia can be better but too much politicking and too little concern to get rid of politics of Patronage has mired us to our present state of affairs where our nation may default on our debts if “subsidies continue” said Idris Jala…

In order to avoid defaulting on our debts, it is vital that good and honest professionals and individuals to be fully involved to replace those in BN who are letting us down now. Most of them are a waste of time and money but they will remain there unless more concerned individuals get in. I has made the mistake of thinking that anyone can do the political job until I realized that the Bidayuh will get nowhere in 1982. To ensure that Sarawak reach its full potential more people are needed to stand for what is right for all Sarawakians. We cannot leave our fate to the present set of leaders.

Sarawak needs to change from its present set of leaders who could not stand criticisms but sent out rude remarks to NGOS and others who care about our environment and Biodiversity. We cannot be blind to the destruction we have impacted on our environments. We have to mitigate against flooding we have created to Kuching for instance. Politics of Development must be people friendly. We must enhance our environment rather than damaging it. We must spread the wealth rather than to concentrate it to the few to control and rule the rest…

To get the work done though, we need your full involvement to clean up Sarawak politics… Be a contributing member of any party and be vigilant against political parasites in your respective party or better still join hands with me to do so…

Lesson 1.

Must follow local knowledge.

One lost his way and was left behind without the knowledge of the group he followed inadvertently on a longer windy path which avoided climbing only one hill. He is a stranger to jungle tracking being sploit by modern mode of transportation – rididng motorbike everywhere here. Most barely made walking on a very slippery and muddy jungle foot path unprepared for our walk – but it was our own fault for listening to a fixation two of our 2008 veterans who wrongly assumed the “lunung” track would be easier despite advice of our “journey’” Leader from Gumabng who told us that the path was more or abandoned and told muddy without proper maintenance and that the mountain path though long had already been prepared for our trip. The group opinion was divided but the “outsider” overwhelmed the locals who this time formed the minority. After walking about one hundred meters of the chosen path determined by our journey leader, we had to turned back to follow the outsider group. We almost did not make the journey for the path were not only muddy and slippery but have “bridges” of solitary tree trunk, the size of  6-8 foot diameter or two bamboo trunks not properly anchored that I had to go down to the streams three times… As a result it took us one hour more to complete the journey and many of us were limping because of muscle aches and pains and myself having an annoying pain in my left knee – for the first time ever in my life…forcing me to walk dragging my left foot all the way for three hours going and the whole day of the 15th. What a sight and an impression I left to all the strangers and kampong folks who do not know that my “LIMP” only started midway through the journey. For the first time in my life I had to walked dragging my left foot along.. all because we rejected local knowledge and follow the decision made by a “starnger who was unfortunately stucked by his 2008 experience that coming home trip of 2008 was easier and faster along the “lunung path” in 2008. I was also swayed by that experience and taught the lesson of  “must follow local knowledge”. Local knowledge is mostly recent… it is not based on history but the day -to-day conditions…

Indeed on our return journey only ten out 40 made it back on foot took about nine hours walk because I had go the hill on “first gear instead of an easy and fast 4th…I had to go down the prepared steps with my right foot leading and then my left to follow on the same step and so on … whaa really going down any hill on a snail pace…Despite the trail was well prepared, it took us nine hours to finish the journey whicxh could have been less than seven hours if ONLY my left knee was NOT injured by the “UNSEEN”.

Lesson number two.

On a trip like what we made, follow the chosen path to avoid the dangers posed by the unseen..

Our trip was about bringing the guardian angels from the Gumbang Headhouse to help and witness the ceremonies of “NYOBENG” in the headhouse of BULUN, Sebujit. A sending of ceremony was made at the Gumbang Buruk on the morning of the 14th but the “krokong contingent plus one Malay from KL ” did not join the anointing ceremony thus were left unprotected. This group of oevr twenty had to make the journey home through Serikin involving walking about two hours to the boat ride to Seluas and then a ride to border and the  two more rides back to Krokong… The fear of not making it back along the footpath to Gumbang…wrong again. Even myself made it back essentially on one “very tired right leg”.

My pain in my left leg was injured by “foreign bodies being impacted by the unseen”. It caused a pain which had a funny impact on my walk. It felt like something sharp is there in the joint. The knee is normal in size as my right knee. Fortunately with me there two Bidayuh Traditional Healers who were able to extract three foreign bodies out of my knee that now while doing the typing there is NO MORE PAIN in moving and flexing the knee. Traditional healing has help me to be able now to almost make my normal step on the third day after the injury. Yesterday I was still partially dragging it. Look my particular pain did not respond to the pain killers which I did take. Making the wrong move really hurts  but I am too old to cry…

Lesson Number three, there is something special about Bidayuh Traditional knowledge.

Our forefather had learned through generations how to survive in the harsh reality of living in the hardiest condition..Bidayuh is still on this earthe because of their abilities to survive without modern medicine and amenities. Instead they have a way of life where by working together in harmony they able to live through epidemics of various tropical diseases as well dangers from the unseen. Through ceremonies like NYOBENG, they get the blessings they seek to survive.  Unfortunately the knowledge accummulated our thousand of years  are passed down by oral traditons making it the knowledge confined only to the few celebrants. Thus the mytics and misunderstandings about “BIDAYUHISM” – the Bidayuh way of life has led to wholesome conversion to the “NEW” religion of Christainity and Islam in Sarawak.

Yet the “death of BIDAYUHISM” will leave a big hole in our abilities to cure illnesses. Without the help of two Traditional healer I may limp for life. A knee surgery may not leave me with the perfectly functional knees that I have all these 66 years of my life…

The State Government which has an absolute say on Land matters in Sarawak has been amending the Land Code many times to make it easier for the Minister of Land to approve and allocate any piece of Land to any individual they favour with or without consent from those who may have established their rights to the said land. In Sarawak,  the Minister which have total power on Land Matters is the current Chief Minister. His instruction verbally or otherwise is the “Law”.

Yet so far the Courts can rule otherwise. Using natinal and international conventions on natives rights, the Courts have overturned many decision made by the State Government to allocate land for various plantations. However the onus of proof  for the right to any piece  of land is up to the complainants. The government continues to issue a provisional lease to any capable developer through their proxies as long as the price is right. The latest for example is the Kampong Stenggang land in Bau District. The piece of Land was allocated to a company without consulting the people who have established ownership because according to the Land and Survey, the area appears to be State land from the Settalite map they have in their office. However the said piece has been occupied by the Stenggang people since it was allocated that piece of Land to them by the Rajah.

Now the matter if not resolved soon will be brought to the Courts to decide at a fee of RM75,000.00.

Thus the dilemma of many natives. Their land can be sold to anyone without their knowledge. Any dispute it is up to the Courts to decide if they can afford a lawyer to establish their rights. They may win their case but the Government of the Day will appeal and appeal like in the case Nor anak Nyawai vs Borneo Pulp and the Government.

Yet land is life. Without land on one can live as land is needed for food production or collection, land is needed for shelter, and even for burial land is needed. Yet the priority of Land allocation for the present Government is to sell arable Land to Oil Palm plantations and other plantation in the name of Politics of Development. Fortunately the majority of Sarawakians supported the view that bulk of valuable land must be given to the rich people only.

I have long advocated that the poor natives must benefit from all land development and no land should be developed without their involvement. Yet when I raised this issue in my maiden speech in the State Assembly in 1983, one Assistant Minsiter was asked to shoot me down. Anyway eventually, they appreciate the need to involve the landowners through Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabiliation Authority(SALCRA). Initially SALCRA did very well to improve the buying power of the landowners who were involved as they received very good bonuses and dividends when the Scheme was under the late Denys Lang. Now hardly worth anything under the present management… They have been using my small piece of land, but it appears they need my bonus and dividend to pay for their own comforts….

I believe that unless a proper approach of Land development is taken seriously by all concerned, the current instant benefits to the few will hamper the future of many. It will become the tears of many soon. STAR is very concerned on this issue. We want land development to benefit as many as possible. Further land development must also take into account the sustainability of our Biodiversity and the overall ecological system. Millions are promised for flooding in Sibu. Millions are needed for Kuching for flood mitigation project. Yet these floodings are geeting more severe because of  indiscriminate development projects in the water catchment areas. Whatever happen to our environmental impact studies which are being done by the Department Of Environment?

Back to the natives, your land is your land. It is your right to allow your BN masters to sell your land without your consent. By the way, you have given “your CONSENT for Taib to sell your land WHEN YOU VOTED FOR BN during any election” after 1995. So if you cry when your land is sold without compensation, etc, remember I have reminded you of this possibility in 1995 when I shaved my head…