Malaysian Indigenous Tribes Lose Case Against Dam

Indigenous tribes in Malaysia brought a lawsuit against the seizure of their lands to make way for a giant hydroelectric dam. The nation's highest court decided that their eviction was legal and did not violate their rights.

"It is an unfair decision. I have not been fully compensated," said Ngajang Midin, 50, of the Ukit tribe, as tears rolled down his face. He has already moved to higher ground and the multi-billion-dollar dam has begun operations.

"My cocoa and pepper trees are underwater. My ancestors' graves are buried under the sea of water," he said.

About 15,000 people were forcibly relocated to make room for the dam and a reservoir about the size of Singapore, which began generating power last month. Many have made an unhappy transition to life in drab resettlement areas, and representatives of the evicted indigenous people launched a series of legal appeals.

Colin Nicholas, founder and coordinator of the Center for Orang Asli Concerns -- whose name uses the Malay term for indigenous people -- said..."The fear now is these people will become internal refugees because they can be forced to relocate," he said.

Sounds familiar - Chippewa Flowage anyone?