Baru, Chong mourn loss of PKR land rights activist

A cold-blooded murder is something the people don’t want to see in Sarawak, lest the state be perceived as an unsafe place, says DAP's Chong Chieng Jen.

KUCHING: Sarawak PKR Chief Baru Bian has expressed sorrow and outrage over the “brutal and cold-blooded” killing of fellow PKR leader and native rights activist Bill Kayong in Miri on Tuesday morning. His remarks were echoed by DAP Sarawak Chairman Chong Chieng Jen who expressed his deepest condolence. Bill’s death was a loss to the state, he added.

Chong referred to Bill being a strong advocate on NCR land cases. “His killing was either politically-motivated or linked to NCR land cases,” said Chong, a lawyer who is also Bandar Kuching MP and Kota Sentosa Assemblyman.

“It’s important that the police act immediately to investigate the murder. A life has been lost. These facts are sufficient for the police to make it a top priority case.”

A cold-blooded murder is something that the people don’t want to see in Sarawak which is a peaceful land, continued Chong. “The public will perceive the state as an unsafe place if someone can be shot dead in cold-blood in broad daylight.”

Baru, a senior lawyer in private practice and Ba’ Kelalan Assemblyman, thanked Bill for being part of the PKR family and hopes that his family will find the strength and fortitude to bear their unimaginable grief.

“He was a vocal activist for the natives of Sarawak,” recalled Baru. “He was a young man zealously pursuing justice for the people.”

“He was very outspoken against any kind of discrimination or unfairness in our society.”

While PKR has lost a loyal comrade and a good friend, he lamented, Dr Michael Teo had lost his trusted aide. “Bill stood as our member for Bekenu in the recent Sarawak election.”

“He was a man with a mission and had so much more to experience and contribute.”