Natural Resources and Environment Minister G Palanivel must break his silence and name the masterminds behind the illegal land-clearing in Cameron Highlands which led to flash floods and landslides there if it is true that he has this information.
He is reported by Bernama to have said that he “knows of their existence” and says he has photographic evidence as well but says he is “still unable to control them”. He doesn’t stop there. He goes on to say he cannot reveal too much.
I demand that Palanivel speak up. First he must state if the Bernama report is correct. Then if it is, he must explain why he is unable to say anything on this matter.
People have suffered great losses. Why is he frightened? Who or what is he afraid of? What could be more important now other than assisting the victims if he has the information and ensuring this doesn’t happen again?
As a minister and peoples representative he is duty bound to speak up especially in times like this. If it is true that he said it and he can’t speak up, then he should resign forthwith both as Minister and MP of Cameron Highlands.
I call upon the Deputy Prime Minister who chaired the special Meeting on Floods and Landslides in Cameron Highlands yesterday to respond to this report by Bernama and revelation by Palanivel. What will he do about it?