Can you believe that when you lodge a police report that you have been assaulted by a gangster, that you yourself are being arrested? And can you believe that one man in Abok, Pantu was arrested a few days ago after he was found felling trees in his own land – titled land?
These strange stories are not made up, but real, real stories. Read the following story which was first published by the Malaysian Mirror.
ULU BALINGIAN – Gangsters seem to be running the show on the current native customary land dispute between a logging company, Bitani Maju Sdn. Bhd. and the Iban community of Sungai Tepus, Ulu Balingian, Mark Bujang, Executive Director of Borneo Institute Research Malaysia (BRIMAS) alleged today.
He said a group of gangsters in 10 cars have been intimidating the natives ever since the natives set up a blockade on 12 March against the said logging company.
“A total of three police reports have been made against the company, but until today no action has been taken against the company or the gangsters who are currently roaming the area,” he said in a Press statement issued to The Malaysian Mirror.
Even though the blockade has been dismantled by the police, the natives, however, still continue with their protests.
“Members of the Iban community of Sungai Tepus, Ulu Balingian are protesting against the illegal logging activities conducted by Bitani Maju Sdn. Bhd. in their native customary land territory.
“Surprisingly, it is the police that are guarding the company workers carrying out their illegal logging operations,” Mark claimed.
Last Saturday, two of the longhouse members from Rumah Osay were assaulted by a group of gangsters while they were on their way home from Selangau bazaar. One of them managed to flee but another was badly beaten up by the gangsters.
Mark said that Banyau Ak Timbang, one of the persons who managed to flee from the gangsters was riding together with Oren Ak Linggang from Selangau bazaar and as they were about to approach their longhouse junction, a car approached them.
“I noticed Penghulu Thomas Jawa Ak Latu was in the car and the driver of the car forced us to stop,” said Banyau.
“The other occupants of the car came out and we do not recognise them at all. We got into a heated argument with them and then suddenly they started attacking us”, said Banyau.
Banyau said he managed to escape from his attackers but Oren was left behind.
Oren lodged a police report on the attack at the Balingian Police Station the next day. However, instead of taking down his report, the police arrested him.
“The gangsters seem to be controlling the police and also our community leaders”, claimed Banggau ak Panggai, chairman of the joint action committee.
“Our communities are leaving in fear at the moment as the police cannot guarantee our safety. We do not want any untoward incident to happen, so we appeal to the police to take action and stop the gangsters from harassing us any further,” said Banggau. – The Broken Shield
Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com
These strange stories are not made up, but real, real stories. Read the following story which was first published by the Malaysian Mirror.
ULU BALINGIAN – Gangsters seem to be running the show on the current native customary land dispute between a logging company, Bitani Maju Sdn. Bhd. and the Iban community of Sungai Tepus, Ulu Balingian, Mark Bujang, Executive Director of Borneo Institute Research Malaysia (BRIMAS) alleged today.
He said a group of gangsters in 10 cars have been intimidating the natives ever since the natives set up a blockade on 12 March against the said logging company.
“A total of three police reports have been made against the company, but until today no action has been taken against the company or the gangsters who are currently roaming the area,” he said in a Press statement issued to The Malaysian Mirror.
Even though the blockade has been dismantled by the police, the natives, however, still continue with their protests.
“Members of the Iban community of Sungai Tepus, Ulu Balingian are protesting against the illegal logging activities conducted by Bitani Maju Sdn. Bhd. in their native customary land territory.
“Surprisingly, it is the police that are guarding the company workers carrying out their illegal logging operations,” Mark claimed.
Last Saturday, two of the longhouse members from Rumah Osay were assaulted by a group of gangsters while they were on their way home from Selangau bazaar. One of them managed to flee but another was badly beaten up by the gangsters.
Mark said that Banyau Ak Timbang, one of the persons who managed to flee from the gangsters was riding together with Oren Ak Linggang from Selangau bazaar and as they were about to approach their longhouse junction, a car approached them.
“I noticed Penghulu Thomas Jawa Ak Latu was in the car and the driver of the car forced us to stop,” said Banyau.
“The other occupants of the car came out and we do not recognise them at all. We got into a heated argument with them and then suddenly they started attacking us”, said Banyau.
Banyau said he managed to escape from his attackers but Oren was left behind.
Oren lodged a police report on the attack at the Balingian Police Station the next day. However, instead of taking down his report, the police arrested him.
“The gangsters seem to be controlling the police and also our community leaders”, claimed Banggau ak Panggai, chairman of the joint action committee.
“Our communities are leaving in fear at the moment as the police cannot guarantee our safety. We do not want any untoward incident to happen, so we appeal to the police to take action and stop the gangsters from harassing us any further,” said Banggau. – The Broken Shield
Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com
