BRUNO MANSER FUND, BASEL / SWITZERLAND
20 August 2012 – for
immediate release
Malaysian
diving champion warned of political manipulation by Sarawak Chief Minister Taib
Mahmud
The Bruno Manser Fund congratulates
Malaysian Olympics medalist Pandelela Rinong Pamg for her fantastic performance
at the London Olympics, which won her a bronze medal in the 10 m platform
diving event. The Sarawak diver was the first Malaysian woman to win an Olympic
medal.
However, the Swiss human
rights organization warns the diving champion from political manipulation by
Sarawak potentate Taib Mahmud ("Taib“). Last week, Taib announced he would
reward the 19-year old bronze medallist with a "special gift“ upon her return
to Sarawak. Pandelela is a Bidayuh native of Sarawak, a Malaysian state that is
home to over 40 indigenous peoples
"Taib Mahmud has abused
his political power and done more harm to Sarawak’s indigenous peoples than any
other Malaysian politician“, the Bruno Manser Fund wrote in a statement.
"He
lacks the moral legitimacy to make a special gift to an outstanding Bidayuh
champion like Pandelela. We call on Pandelela Rinong Pamg not to let herself be
politically manipulated and advise her to politely turn down Taib’s 'special
gift’.“
Taib Mahmud has been
Chief Minister of Sarawak since 1981. He has abused his public office in a
spectacular way and has granted his family members logging and plantation concessions
over several hundred thousand hectares of native lands. Last year, research by
the Bruno Manser Fund showed that Taib family members are stakeholders in more
than 400 coompanies in 25 countries, worth several billion US dollars.
It is feared that Taib is
planning to abuse Pandelela’s Olympic success to boost his own dwindling
popularity.
"The only gift Pandelela should accept from Taib is his resignation
as Chief Minister, which would be a relief to the whole of Sarawak.“
- Ends -
