Sarawak DAP today called on Chief Minister Adenan Satem to head the special committee set up to combat rampant illegal logging in the state which robs the state of more than RM100 million annually.
 
“If Adenan is serious about combating illegal logging then he should have taken charge of the committee himself,” stressed Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen.
 
Last Tuesday, the chief minister who is also the first minister of resource planning and environment, announced the formation of the committee.
 
Worried over rampant illegal logging, Adenan suspects that some enforcement officers are working with illegal timber operators.
 
When enforcement agencies raided illegal logging sites only logs and machinery were seized, while the culprits fled, Adenan pointed out.
 
He named second resource planning and environment minister Awang Tengah Ali Hassan (right) as chairman of the committee whose tasks among others, would be to keep an eye on enforcement officers and monitor the activities of logging companies.
 
However, Chong who is the Kota Sentosa state assemblyperson and the MP for Bandar Kuching, questioned whether Awang Tengah was the right person to head the committee.
 
This is in consideration of his track record which Chong found wanting in the last 10 years as second minister of resource planning and environment.
 
“It is his duty to stop illegal logging activities,” Chong said in a statement.  “Therefore, the need to set up a special committee to fight illegal logging, by itself, is testimony of failure on the part of the ministry to curb illegal logging activities. 
 
Chong (left) stressed the irony of appointing Awang Tengah to head this special committee was that he was to do the same job that he had already failed to do as the minister concerned.
 
BN leaders, however, lauded Adenan for appointing Awang Tengah and expressed full confidence that he could fight the illegal logging effectively knowing that he knew timber operations very well.
 
Land Development Minister and president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak James Masing said Awang Tengah was the most suitable minister chosen to head the fight against illegal logging.
 
“He has been involved with the forest ministry for a few years. So he knows the ins and outs of forest operations. This is nothing new to him,” he said when contacted by Malaysiakini.
 
Expressing similar support was senior vice-president of Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) Paul Igai.
 
 The chief minister knew better who should head the committee, he said, adding:  “He has full trust on Awang Tengah as he knows logging operations very well.”