The Politics of Environment: A Preliminary Enquiry into the Malaysian Political Scene

Abstract

In dealing with the issues of environment, human rights and democracy, Malaysia is confronted with some basic and conflicting problems. For example, where can she draw the line between developmental needs and environment; should she allow the 299 nomadic Penans to roam the jungle or bring them into the mainstream so that they could exercise their democratic right to vote; do human rights include the right to enjoy freedom from hunger? These problem are not irreconcilable but would require time and understanding and sincerity by other countries.

ABSTRAK

Dalam mengendalikan isu-isu alam sekitar, hak asasi manusia dan demokrasi, Malaysia menghadapi beberapa masalah asas dan bertentangan. Misalnya, dimanakah hendak ditulis garis pemisah antara kehendak-kehendak pembangunan dan alam sekitar; wajarkah Malaysia membiarkan 299 normad Penan merayau dihutan atau lebih baik dibawa mereka ke dalam masyarakat supaya mereka dapat menggunakan kuasa demokrasi mereka untuk mengundi; adakah tidak hak asasi manusia meliputi hak supaya 'bebas dari kelaparan'? masalah- masalah ini bukanlah tidak boleh diselaraskan tetapi ia memerlukan masa, persefahaman dan kejujuran daripada negara-negara lain.