We went to see the founder of Forest SEA, Clare Rewcastle, talking about her incredible investigative journey, which put her in danger many times but eventually resulted in the exposure of the biggest fraud so far uncovered worldwide. Her discovery of the theft from Malaysia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund 1MDB led to the fall of the Malaysian government and her talk was greeted with rapt attention and followed by heartfelt thanks from members of the audience, many of whom were from the Malaysian business community.
During her talk, she updated us on the ongoing arrests and investigations into Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank, both of whom are in serious trouble over money laundering.
Members of the audience were also intrigued to know her thoughts on the palm oil debate.
She responded ‘I am disappointed by the negative response on the palm oil issue [by the Malaysian Government]. Malaysia has many opportunities now to turn this into something optimistic and positive. I don't want to see the palm oil industry shut down over night, and of course we have to sympathetic to those who depend on it.
However, in East Malaysia there are wonderful things that can be done. I'm trying to emphasise that Malaysia should not let the the opportunity go by to regrow the jungle, and capture the carbon credits - there are great financial opportunities if only Malaysia is savvy enough. The regeneration of the Malaysian jungle is possible with finance from willing commercial partners. If they are wise, they could take the palm oil problem and make it work for them with - there is so much wonderful work that they could do.’
These insightful comments were greeted with strong applause.
She continued to say ‘I would like to see a new state government (Sarawak) that would take the opportunities for reforestation and regeneration- incredible global opportunities. Now that would be really exciting!’
The discussion moved on to deforestation in other parts of the world, particularly South America. Clare reminded us that three of the biggest logging companies involved are Malaysian and that she intended to continue her work in monitoring and exposing them.
Following overwhelming applause, Clare ended by saying ‘I will champion and march with anyone who wants to stop deforestation anywhere.’