DAP SRI AMAN

Press Release (15 July 2013)

DAP Sri Aman today was shocked today when approached by Mr Angko ak Raga & Mr Bagong ak Ujai from San Demam, Sri Aman on their relatives & ancestor's burial grounds being bulldozed plus hundreds of jars @ tajaus were destroyed by the contractors doing land-clearing of the NCR area at Mempelam, Engkilili, Sri Aman.

It is alleged that the contractors from the company Sri Aman Resources Plantation Sdn Bhd were told by the Tuai Rumah Pindi ak Gerang to do the earth clearing at the ancient cemetery.

A police report has been made and investigations are said to be underway according to Mr Angko. Mr Bagong has ordered the clearing works stopped immediately after discovering their NCR land and the ancient cemetery of his ancestors cleared by the company.

'My parents, grandparents & great-grandparents going as far as i can remember, at least 8 generations before me are buried here and that is why there are many old jars here and I estimate the burial compound is nearly 200 years old. We are representing our relatives, are seeking compensation from the company and we urge the police to take action on the persons' who instructed the company to do the work at the burial compound here', lamented Mr Bagong.

'We are shocked at this blatant abuse of power by the tuai rumah and the absolutely disrespectful of the contractors in ignoring the NCR lands & the ancient cemetery; the police must swiftly investigate this matter and haul the perpetrators to justice,' said Leon Jimat Donald, DAP Sri Aman Branch Chairman & DAP Sarawak Vice Chairman.

'I will be writing to the Lubok Antu District officer & the Resident of Sri Aman to also investigate this matter as well as this is a matter of grave public interest', added Leon.