Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan Assemblyman Dr Daud Yusof has called for greater transparency and accountability from the State Government over the potential privatisation of the Bornean Elephant Sanctuary (BES).
“I am deeply concerned about recent reports suggesting the privatisation of the BES,” he said in a statement, here, Thursday.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“As Sabahans, we take pride in our biodiversity and natural heritage, which must be protected through transparent and responsible stewardship.
“Any decision affecting this heritage requires the utmost accountability to the people and the environment,” he said.
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He also pointed out the irony of this move, especially considering a generous land donation by a Japanese company and non-governmental organisation in 2019 specifically aimed at supporting elephant conservation.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});The Warisan Assemblyman raised questions about the privatisation, including the selection criteria for the private management, accountability for conservation funds and the sanctuary’s failure to meet its original rehabilitation goals.
“The increasing number of human-elephant conflicts is a direct consequence of habitat loss and fragmentation. How will privatisation address these issues sustainably?
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“The people of Sabah deserve a clear plan for reducing these conflicts without jeopardising the welfare of our elephants.
“It is our shared responsibility to protect Sabah’s wildlife for future generations. Privatising these responsibilities undermines the trust placed in our government by both citizens and the international community.
“I urge the State Government to demonstrate greater transparency and accountability. Conservation is not about passing responsibilities to private entities; it is about safeguarding our identity and natural heritage.
“Let us honour the trust placed in us by our people and the world by ensuring our policies reflect genuine commitment to conservation and sustainability,” he said.
