Ibrahim Ali Proposes Safari Concept To Protect Endangered Ethnic Groups
KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Bernama) -- A Member of Parliament (MP) on Monday urged the government to set up ethnic preservation sanctuaries (safari) or build a zoo in every state to protect endangered ethnic groups such as those championed by Perkasa.
Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Bebas-Pasir Mas) said apart from protecting endangered ethnic groups, such places can also attract tourist to the respective states and provide sanctuaries for those not ready for the burdens, challenges and opportunities of globalisation.
He added that the lost of natural habitat for ethnic groups was due to the control and accumulation of wealth of a few over the many.
"The easiest way of preserving ethnic identity is to follow Africa that uses the safari concept. Similarly, we have to identify places that can be turned into a safari for those we champion whom we believe are endangered even though they constitute the majority.
"We have vast areas in Sabah and Sarawak, even in the Peninsular there are places that can be used for such purposes because not all states have their own zoo," he told the Dewan Rakyat when debating the Ethnic Group Conservation Bill 2010 Monday.
Ibrahim added that the management of zoo in the country was also not efficient enough when compared with other countries, including Singapore.
"Our Zoo Negara when compared with countries that do not have vast jungles and endangered ethnic groups like those we champion, especially Singapore, pales in shadow because they are better," he said.
He also wanted to know the status of Zoo Negara which was apparently going to be shifted to another location since the location was not conducive due to the proximity of housing developments in the area.
"The concept of a zoo is to ensure animals and endangered ethnic groups lived in their natural habitat and environment. Through that concept, we can also attract visitors and tourists," he said.
The Dewan Rakyat will resume Tuesday.
-- BERNAMA
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