Activists urge arrest of Malaysian state governor

(AFP) Google News 13 Dec 11;

KUALA LUMPUR — Environmental groups and activists from Malaysia, Europe and Australia have called on Malaysian authorities to arrest a powerful state governor and 13 relatives accused of massive graft.

Signatories including Greenpeace and the Swiss-based Bruno Manser Fund released a letter sent to the Malaysian government that urges the immediate arrest of Abdul Taib Mahmud, chief minister of Sarawak state since 1981.

Taib opponents have long alleged systematic corruption and plundering of the rich natural resources of Sarawak, located on the northern portion of Borneo island, by Taib, 75, and his family.

The letter signed by 17 non-governmental organisations and activists, alleged crimes including illegal appropriation of public funds and land, abuse of office, fraud, money-laundering "and conspiracy to form a criminal organisation."

The Bruno Manser Fund, which spearheaded the effort, has said public records in several countries show Taib and his family members have stakes in 332 Malaysian and 85 foreign companies worth several billion dollars.

The letter added that Taib family stakes in 14 large Malaysian companies alone exceed $1.46 billion.

"We allege that only the systematic breach of the law and the use of illegal methods has enabled Mr. Taib and his family members to acquire such massive corporate assets," it said.

The appeal was sent to Malaysia's attorney general, anti-corruption agency, and inspector-general of police.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said earlier this year it was investigating Taib but its director of investigations, Mustafar Ali, declined comment to AFP on the probe and Tuesday's arrest appeal.

An official in Taib's office also declined to comment. Taib has previously denied such allegations.

The NGOs said immediate arrests were needed to prevent the accused destroying evidence.

Sarawak officials have said the underdeveloped state needs to spur economic growth.

But Taib opponents allege massive graft in awarding Sarawak timber concessions and other contracts, and rapacious development that has seen rainforests felled, questionable dams built, and tribal groups uprooted.

They also accuse the central government of failing to act against Taib because his tight control of Sarawak has kept it a political stronghold of Malaysia's long-ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.

Other signatories to the letter included Europe-based forest advocate group FERN, the Borneo Resources Institute, and the Japan Tropical Forest Action Network.