Sarawak leadership change opens door for profound reforms, review of Taib's questionable deals

Bruno Manser Fonds welcomes appointment of new Sarawak Governor, calls for review of land leases and forest concessions granted by his predecessor in Malaysian Borneo

The Bruno Manser Fonds welcomes the appointment of Wan Junaidi as Sarawak's new Governor and wishes the new officeholder a fruitful and successful term as Governor of the Malaysian state in Borneo.

"Wan Junaidi's appointment is a great opportunity for a new deal for Sarawak. We are confident that reforms initiated by Premier Abang Johari can be enhanced and accelerated with a new man in the Astana (the Governor's palace)", the Swiss NGO wrote in a statement.

"Taib Mahmud's toxic legacy will be left behind swiftly and this should start with a review of land and logging concessions granted by the former Chief Minister and Governor."

During Taib's 33-year tenure as Chief Minister since 1981, millions of hectares of indigenous community land had been leased to logging and plantation companies without community consent. Six companies with close ties to Taib, often referred to as "the big six", were the main beneficiaries - Samling, Rimbunan Hijau, WTK, Ta Ann, KTS and Shin Yang.

In addition, thousands of hectares of logging and plantation concessions had been handed out to companies linked to members of the Taib family.

"Why has only Taib's closest circle profited from the exploitation of the state's rich natural resources?", the Bruno Manser Fonds asked.

"We are calling for a complete review of the state's concession and lease system with concessions handed out by Taib to be nullified because of their alleged links to grand corruption."

The Bruno Manser Fonds accuses the long-term politician of having abused his office to exploit the state's vast natural resources for his own and his circle's benefit.

"We expect the MACC to reopen their investigation against Taib which was dropped in 2016 for political reasons. Sarawak needs a thorough cleaning-up exercise now and the profiteers of Taib corruption should be held accountable", the Bruno Manser Fonds stated.

Former Malaysian Senate Wan Junaidi has been appointed Governor of Sarawak last week, which formally ended Taib's 60-year tenure in public office.