Hardly noticed in Australia, this recent low key demonstration opposite the State Legislative Assembly, Kuching ,was the subject of a report in the Borneo Post , the largest English news online site in that country. The group wants the government to pass a law or hold a referendum on the subject of returning the rights of people to express their views .
A spokesman for the group , which was visited by the Kuching police chief, said it is planned to hold a large march on July 22 with 5000 taking part, made up of locals and Sarawakians from Singapore, Kualu Lumpur and Australia . Stickers like the one below, obtained by Little Darwin , have been appearing on taxi cabs, cars , motorbikes and included in T-shirt design . Authorities have said there is no concern as long as the group does not advocate secession from the Malaysian federation or overthrowal of the government .
Public servants , including police and firemen , have been warned they should not display the stickers in any way.
Over the years Sarawak experienced the Portuguese traders , 100 years of rule by the British White Rajahs, the troubled period when it became part of the Malaysian federation which sparked the confrontation with Indonesia.Most of its lush rainforests have been logged and palm oil plantations set up ; a huge Chinese hydroelectric dam also impacted on flora and fauna . Tourists are taken for fast boat trips down waterways which seem flanked by rainforest. However, a closer examination reveals that it is a narrow strip of remnant forest , clear felling as far as the eye can see having taken place .
In 1992 the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) financed setting up the Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sactuary in which there are 4000 orangutans . There are moves to protect dugong and the Irrawaddy dolphin, both endangered species. Attempts are being made to protect and rehabilitate Sarawak's ocean ecosystem , damaged by runoff , by placing artificial reef modules to form new habitats. NEXT:The Wikileaks of Sarawak fights deforestation of the country and numerous allegations of massive corruption involving people in high places and several countries,Swiss bank accounts..
Over the years Sarawak experienced the Portuguese traders , 100 years of rule by the British White Rajahs, the troubled period when it became part of the Malaysian federation which sparked the confrontation with Indonesia.Most of its lush rainforests have been logged and palm oil plantations set up ; a huge Chinese hydroelectric dam also impacted on flora and fauna . Tourists are taken for fast boat trips down waterways which seem flanked by rainforest. However, a closer examination reveals that it is a narrow strip of remnant forest , clear felling as far as the eye can see having taken place .
In 1992 the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) financed setting up the Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sactuary in which there are 4000 orangutans . There are moves to protect dugong and the Irrawaddy dolphin, both endangered species. Attempts are being made to protect and rehabilitate Sarawak's ocean ecosystem , damaged by runoff , by placing artificial reef modules to form new habitats. NEXT:The Wikileaks of Sarawak fights deforestation of the country and numerous allegations of massive corruption involving people in high places and several countries,Swiss bank accounts..
