Don't Jump Into Coal Blindly

I REFER to Datuk Raymond Tan's statement on setting up a special committee to study the coal-powered plant in Sandakan.

Tan's statement may bring relief to concerned and worried citizens of Sandakan.

It is indeed caring of him to respond to the problems of the people. But due to his busy schedule and workload he may have overlooked the main issue - the right source of power.

It's difficult to gauge neutrality but a reasonably neutral committee to study the issue would, indeed, be good.

But we must proceed sincerely and intelligently without vested interest or attempt to protect a decision that has already been made.

And to save the government money and time and any possible future finger-pointing of criminal negligence at the State Government, the committee appointed must study the various means of power generation and problems associated with them. Special consideration must be given to the issues of health and global warming.

The committee must understand our Federal Government's stand on global warming and also have a knowledge of Local Agenda 21 which empowers the local population, particularly youths, on decision making with regard to local development.

The committee's main term of reference should be "What is the best source of power Generation for Sabah?"

Let us not jump into coal blindly. Research shows that coal emits 80 percent more carbon per unit of energy than gas. And coal brings untold miseries in terms of health.

Here in Sabah, we have an abundance of gas. So, why should we be pulled by the nose by TNB who may have decided on coal for reasons best known only to Tan Sri Leo Moggie?

TNB has many good professionals but as employees they may be job-bound to go along with decisions made by businessmen and top officials.

But our State Cabinet has wise and considerate members and more than that - an electorate-given duty to protect the people of Sabah from any negative projects or development.

I hope and pray the final decision will benefit the environment and people of Sabah.

SM Muthu

Forum, Daily Express, 3rd August 2008