MORE QUIT CALLS: Palanivel has betrayed Cameron Highlands voters - MIC branch chief

An MIC branch chairman today accused party president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel of betraying the trust of voters in Cameron Highlands by keeping quiet despite knowing about the illegal land clearing activities in the area.

Taman Mujur MIC branch chairman V.T. Rajen said by keeping quiet, Palanivel had violated his oath of office and betrayed the trust of voters in Cameron Highlands.

Palanivel, the Natural Resources and Environment Minister, had reportedly told Bernama yesterday that he knew "the existence of a mastermind behind the illegal land clearing in Cameron Highlands".

While admitting to the culprit's existence, coupled with photographic evidence, the Cameron Highlands MP had said that he "cannot say much" or disclose more about the matter.

"Palanivel has admitted to have known that a crime was taking place and possessed photographic evidence but yet he remained quiet," Rajen said.

"Condoning a crime itself is a offence. He has also failed to live up the trust entrusted in him by the prime minister," Rajen said.

Rajen claimed that if Palanivel had acted when he received the complaints and photographic evidence, lives could have been saved, including that of a 13-year-old boy.

On November 5, a mudslide in Cameron Highlands claimed five lives, one of whom was a 13-year-old student. The other four victims were foreigners.

Rajen said he was baffled by Palanivel's declraction that he could not say much or disclose more about the matter.

"As the MP for Cameron Highlands and a minister, Palanivel has sworn an oath to the Agong not only to discharge his duties with care but to also safeguard the country."

Rajen questioned whether Palanivel had lodged a police report against the mastermind whose acts had resulted in the deaths of innocent people.

"How could he say, 'Now, however, something is happening, I am still unable to control them'?"

The mudslide on Wednesday was triggered by heavy rain. About 203 people from 47 families in Kampung Baru and Bertam Valley had to be evacuated to the Ringlet community hall.

People living along the banks of Sungai Bertam were ordered to move out when water was released from the Sultan Abu Bakar Dam in stages after the water level at the dam began to rise following heavy rain.

Following the incident, Sultan Ahmad Shah lashed out at “gangsters” who had handed out “yellow letters” (recommendation letters from the palace) to those farming illegally in Cameron Highlands.

The Pahang ruler was quoted by The Star as saying he would pursue palace insiders who had issued the letters – without letterheads – to certain parties, which then proceeded to clear tracts of land for farming.

Illegal farming and indiscriminate land clearing have been identified as the main causes of the mudslide in Cameron Highlands on November 5.

The sultan also ticked off Palanivel for not taking any action to solve the problem of mudslides in the area. –TMI