Sunday March 10, 2013

Jabu: Gunmen no better than environmental activists out to create havoc

KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu has likened the Lahad Datu armed invaders to a form of “political pollution”.

He said outsiders attempting to interfere with Malaysian affairs were no better than the environmental activists out to spread dirt on the country’s already peaceful and stable environment.

“We fully support the efforts by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein as well as our security forces who are on the front lines in Sabah to clean up our nation from this pollution,” said Jabu during the “MyGreen Kuching Carnival” here yesterday.

He said foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that had been criticising the Government for ruining the environment were making baseless claims, further “polluting” the country.

“We have been implementing the hydro dam projects throughout the state according to Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s directive to preserve the environment as much as possible while complying with the standards and regulations.

“I was in Miri recently where the Baram folk had pledged their support for the projects because they know that the government complied with the regulations. We see deforestation going on in other parts of the world, some to the extent that they even do not have forests any more. Then these NGOs criticise us for not conserving our forests. They should look at their own (forests) before criticising us,” he said.

Jabu reminded those at the carnival to preserve Sarawak and ensure that it will be a better place for future generations not only in terms of peace but also politics and environment.

Earlier, Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin said it should be the responsibility of everyone to maintain the quality of the environment, not just the Government or relevant authorities.

“We need to have an open mind and accept the green and environment-friendly technologies. We need the support from every quarter across all sectors — Government, private, public and younger generation,” he said.

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Sunday March 10, 2013

Jabu: Gunmen no better than environmental activists out to create havoc