Utusan wants RCI on Cameron Highlands
Utusan Malaysia today urged the cabinet to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to look into the illegal land clearing and environmental tragedies in Cameron Highlands.
Writing under the pseudonym "Awang Selamat" in the paper's Sunday edition, Mingguan Malaysia, the paper’s editors said countless warnings, strong statements and even operations against illegal immigrants in the area were not enough to resolve the problem that had gone on for many years.
"Despite many efforts being done, including stationing of army personnel and police, it is still not sufficient," said Awang.
He said that the issue required a bold and transparent “post-mortem” because it had gotten more complex over the years because of the failure of enforcers and negligence on the part of the state administration.
"Compounded with allegation of corruption, an RCI is needed to find a fair and long-term solution to the problem.
"Bring all those involved in front of the panel and exposed everything to the public so that no one can 'main wayang'.
“Investigate everything from illegal immigrants to the existence of cartels or even the so-called 'surat kuning' (recommendation letters from the palace)."
The powerful Umno-owned Malay newspaper has for the past few weeks, been coming down hard on the issues surrounding over development and influx of illegal immigrants in Cameron Highlands, leading to hostility between the Malay daily and Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.
It started when the paper published a special report claiming that the highland was flooded with foreign workers, many of them illegal.
This was followed by mud floods and landslides in Kampung Raja, Pekan Ringlet and the Bertam Valley on November 5 that claimed five lives and caused over 90 victims from 28 families to be evacuated.
Awang said the move to form an RCI was important as it would send a clear message that Putrajaya was serious not only about the environmental threat faced by the highland but also the integrity issue surrounding it.
"The Sultan have expressed his wrath toward Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, who was only the MP for the past year. (But) There are a lot more parties who should bear the responsibility (for the debacle).
"With an RCI, the people will want to see that no one will escape, regardless of position, stature or rank. Be firm and thorough – without fear or favour," Awang said.
It was reported last year that fewer tourists were visiting Cameron Highlands now because the illegal clearing of land for agriculture has affected the environment.
Some also claimed that the average temperature in the area had risen several degrees Celsius in the past decade. – November 23, 2014.
