Malaysians has been ranked poorly in environmental democratic rights, coming in 69th of 70 countries surveyed worldwide.
Scoring an overall 0.58 out of three points on the US-based World Resources Institute’s Environmental Democracy Index, narrowly beating Haiti.
The index tracks a country’s progress in coming up with national laws to promote transparency, accountability and public engagement.
It measures how well these laws are in giving the public information, allowing public input in decision-making and the seeking in enforcement of environmental laws or compensation for damages.
Malaysia was given very poor mark marks in transparency and public engagement, with only a fair score where justice was concerned.
The index said Malaysian government agencies were not obliged to give the public a chance to take part in an early stage of environment decision-making.
Authorities were found as not obligated in making environment and public health information available to the public…
“The public is provided with the right to participate in environmental decision making in only a limited set of circumstances,” it said….
“…The public is not granted broad standing to file environmental claims in court,” it said.
The new Chief Minister became angry when Sarawak Report asked him at a recent event if the state government would reform its procedures.
We explained this would be necessary if he is to convince international NGOs that he is genuine about turning a new leaf on human rights and the environment.
For example, we asked, would he follow the normal rules of transparency, consultation and due process when making a final decision on the Baram Dam?
“Give us a chance” he roared, “let us make a start”. He thereby indicated that the Baram Dam issue was a raw nerve for him and indeed it has turned out so to be.
Clearly, a decision had already been made (by his ex-boss the Governor) that the dam must go ahead and this London trip was just the advance PR strategy ahead of the sensitive announcement.
Malaysia has now been exposed as second to bottom on the world Environmental Democracy Index for the very reasons raised by Sarawak Report.
The International Hydropower Association and their Board Member Torstein Sjotveit deserve to be pilloried for trying to cover up the disgraceful situation they are supporting in Baram, instead of awarding themselves ‘environmental prizes’ at every opportunity.