By examining one of the most visible signs of a macro-economic development focus, the building of hydroelectric dams, and the impact of policies related to such a focus upon one of the most vulnerable sections of Malaysian society, the indigenous peoples of Sarawak, we examine the competing justifications for their construction (or lack thereof) from both traditional and non-traditional/human governance perspectives. The findings cast doubt on the validity of continued prioritization of hydroelectric dam construction as a cornerstone of government energy and development policy. This article first examines the macroeconomic and national development model case for the pursuit of hydroelectric power, i.e. the extent to which the building of hydroelectric dams in Sarawak is justifiable by its own governance terms of reference. It then turns to consider whether the policy is defensible from a human-centric perspective when vulnerable populations experience significant negative impacts.