Nazri dropped as member of Penang Fishermen Association

Vocal fishing community leader Nazri Ahmad has been dropped from his membership in the Penang Fishermen Association, thus losing his post as its chairperson.

Nazri (photo) has held leadership posts in the fishing community for 13 years, and wonders if it is due to his criticisms against the Penang South Reclamation, which involves the creation of three artificial islands.

"I lost the right to speak up, and all my hard work and efforts to protect the rights of the fishing community," he told Malaysiakini.

"It seems LKIM has the extreme power as the registrar of the association to act against me. This is selective prosecution," he cried.

Nazri led fisherfolk groups to rally in Parliament against reclamation, submitting a memorandum asking then Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to cancel the project.

On March 13, Nazri received a notice from the Fisheries Development Authorities of Malaysia (LKIM) stating that he was dropped as a member of the fishermen association.

Letter was signed by Fauzi Ghazali on behalf of LKIM Penang.

Nazri said the official reason given for why he was dropped from his membership is that he was reportedly not involved in any fishing activities.

He said that he is involved in an aquaculture project which qualifies him to be a member of the Penang Fishermen Association.

"But they question if I am the owner of the project, when there are official documents to certify that I am a breeder and the owner of the project," he said.

Nazri has been the chairperson of the association for four years and was a member of the national fishermen association for about two years.

"I have not been involved in any wrongdoing and illegal activities and have a good record so far.

"Why have they dropped me only now, perhaps they are not happy with me for some reason," he lamented.

Penang LKIM director Nik Yahya Abdul Rahman is not available for comment.

Penang exco on agriculture Norlela Ariffin said she would look into the matter immediately.

Nazri has collaborated well with Penang Forum to oppose the reclamation project in Bayan Lepas.

Penang Forum's steering committee member Khoo Salma Nasution asked why is Nazri being disqualified by LKIM Penang from holding any position.

"Does this have something to do with his leadership in objecting against the Penang South Reclamation?" She asked. - Mkini