S'wak PKR repeats call for debate with Taib Mahmud
Stephen TiongPublished: Mar 21, 2011 8:40 AM | Updated: Mar 21, 2011 8:57 AM
Sarawak PKR information chief See Chee How repeated his party's challenge to Chief Minister Taib Mahmud for a public debate with Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian, as he today released two more examples of native customary rights (NCR) land grabs by the State Government.
Sarawak PKR information chief See Chee How repeated his party's challenge to Chief Minister Taib Mahmud for a public debate with Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian, as he today released two more examples of native customary rights (NCR) land grabs by the State Government.
Watched by the intimidating presence of the police's Public Order and Riot Unit (Poru), See demanded that Taib respond positively.
"If he wants to send in Adenan Satem (special adviser in the chief minister's office) or otherwise, we will take it from there. But we hope Taib will response to our appeal," he said as he released the evidence to about 30 reporters from the print, electronic and news portals at the Old Court House in the centre of Kuching City.
"Let's have the debate before the state elections so that the people can make informed decisions when they vote," he added.
See (right) had to make his statement brief as Poru limited him to making an address of three minutes.
About 200 police personnel from various branches - Special Branch, CID, traffic, Poru and general duties - were present around the Old Court House.
Many were seen stationed at the venue as early as 8am.
Baru released the first batch of evidence at the same venue two weeks ago.
The latest NCR land grabs involves two cases which have already been decided by the High Court.
The first involved a Malay community in Rambungan, near Kuching, while the second involved an Iban community in Pantu.
Both were in favour of the NCR landowners against the government.
See said PKR would release more evidence of land grabs within the next few days.
"All have been proven in court," he added.
PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin, who was present at the release of the evidence, said Taib must be gentlemanly enough to accept Baru Bian's challenge.
"He must come forward and rebut the allegations that the state government had been grabbing NCR land from the owners.
"He must not hide and pretend that nothing has happened. Allegations against him are plenty, so he must come and explain himself," said the Ampang member of Parliament.
Sarawak PKR vice chairman Granda Aing then urged the people to unite and remove Taib Mahmud from power.
The 50 PKR members and others from a church group were then told to disperse by Poru.
A press conference called by Zuraida at the Kuching waterfront about 500 metres from the Old Court House, was also not spared by the police either.
A number of police personnel suddenly appeared. However, by that time, the press conference was almost over.
Watched by the intimidating presence of the police's Public Order and Riot Unit (Poru), See demanded that Taib respond positively.
"If he wants to send in Adenan Satem (special adviser in the chief minister's office) or otherwise, we will take it from there. But we hope Taib will response to our appeal," he said as he released the evidence to about 30 reporters from the print, electronic and news portals at the Old Court House in the centre of Kuching City.
"Let's have the debate before the state elections so that the people can make informed decisions when they vote," he added.See (right) had to make his statement brief as Poru limited him to making an address of three minutes.
About 200 police personnel from various branches - Special Branch, CID, traffic, Poru and general duties - were present around the Old Court House.
Many were seen stationed at the venue as early as 8am.
Baru released the first batch of evidence at the same venue two weeks ago.
The latest NCR land grabs involves two cases which have already been decided by the High Court.
The first involved a Malay community in Rambungan, near Kuching, while the second involved an Iban community in Pantu.
Both were in favour of the NCR landowners against the government.
See said PKR would release more evidence of land grabs within the next few days.
"All have been proven in court," he added.
PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin, who was present at the release of the evidence, said Taib must be gentlemanly enough to accept Baru Bian's challenge."He must come forward and rebut the allegations that the state government had been grabbing NCR land from the owners.
"He must not hide and pretend that nothing has happened. Allegations against him are plenty, so he must come and explain himself," said the Ampang member of Parliament.
Sarawak PKR vice chairman Granda Aing then urged the people to unite and remove Taib Mahmud from power.
The 50 PKR members and others from a church group were then told to disperse by Poru.
A press conference called by Zuraida at the Kuching waterfront about 500 metres from the Old Court House, was also not spared by the police either.
A number of police personnel suddenly appeared. However, by that time, the press conference was almost over.
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