Queville To | January 28, 2012
Free Malaysia Today
Villagers in Tambatuon are fed up with the ‘confusing’ and ‘vague’ statements from their MP Rahman Dahlan over the controversial RM500-million dam.
KOTA BELUD: Sceptical villagers in Tambatuon, where a controversial RM500-million dam is to be sited, want a written commitment from the Musa Aman-led state administration that it will not go ahead with the project.
Dismissing Kota Belud MP Rahman Dahlan’s “confusing statements”, the villagers said their decision was “not negotiable” and that the dam project cannot go on.
They also took a swipe at village chief, Amin Goling, seen as Rahman’s lackey, for the former’s “full” support for the project.
Speaking on behalf of the villagers, chairman of the Village Action Committee Jahim Singkui said the letter from the state government must state clearly that it “will not” proceed with the controversial Tambatuon dam project.
“We have heard enough confusing statements from Rahman and Amin. Amin’s views are his own, it is not the opinion of the villagers.
“As far as the villagers are concerned, there is no more negotiation. We want a letter from the government to state that it will not proceed with the Tambatuon dam project, ” Jahim said.
He said the villagers’ demand was most appropriate in view of the vague response from Rahman who had recently said that he will ask federal Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Noh Omar not to list the dam project in the 2012 Budget.
“He is confusing us. He has told us (villagers) to be ready to sacrifice for the sake of development.
“Then he said he will ask the minister not to list the dam in the 2012 Budget. Does this mean it will be listed in the 2013 Budget?
“His statement is vague and unclear. But our stand to reject the proposed dam is clear and firm,” Jahim said.
He reiterated that the village committee had from the beginning been against the proposed dam and had even submitted a memorandum to the effect to the Kadamaian assemblyman, Herbert Lagadan, Rahman, as well as Chief Minister Musa Aman.
“Unfortunately, till today, there is no reply to their letters,” Jahim said.