BN gives rival PKR a pat-on-back for ‘loyalty’

The 'songkok' which completes the official attire of the state assemblymen is not a religious symbol as perceived by DAP, says senior Sarawak Minister Aband Johari Tun Openg.

KUCHING: Opposition PKR earned itself some brownie points from the ‘ruling’ class when its three assemblymen attended the 10th Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting in full uniform.

Lauding their ‘loyalty’ to the August House and the Head of State, Sarawak Housing and Local Government Minister Abang Johari Tun Openg said it showed the opposition to be ‘respectful’ of the institution.

“We are grateful that PKR assemblymen adhered to the regulation which calls for the use of proper uniform.

“We can see this as being loyal opposition,” he said much to the surprise of newsmen here

PKR which won three seats in the April 16 state election is representated by assemblymen Baru Bian (Ba Kelalan), Ali Biju (Krian) and See Chee How (Batu Lintang).

They together with DAP’s 12 elected representatives form the 15-member strong Pakatan Rakyat coalition in the state assembly. Unlike in previous sittings, the large number of opposition had made them more visible. The is also a sole independent rep in the House.

The donning of the uniform has been a side-line controversy following the DAP’s refusal to wear the attire.

Sarawak DAP chairman Wong Ho Leng said wearing the official uniform, estimated to cost about RM2,000 a piece, required the use of a headpiece or songkok.

“In a past session the Speaker had already ruled that it is not necessary to wear the official uniform as long as we wear dark official suits.

“Since it is not the rule of the day, all 12 of us will come in dark suits as we have done all these while, ” Wong had said.

Not a religious symbol

Johari, who is Satok assemblyman, however found DAP’s adamant stance somewhat ‘strange’.

He said that the songkok was not a symbol of religion, as perceived by the DAP.

“I find strange the failure of DAP elected representatives to put on the DUN official uniform.

“The songkok is not a symbol of any religion.

“In India many non-Muslims wear songkok as part of their culture and this can be said to the wearing of the songkok in this country as well.

“Even Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng wore a songkok when attending the Rulers Conference.

“The songkok simply completes the attire of an elected representative’s DUN uniform and is a sign of respect for the state,” he said.

Meanwhile DUN Speaker Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar said no action will be taken against any of its members for not wearing the official uniform during the current sitting.

He said although it would be better if all assemblymen wore the uniform it was however not mandatory.