Sandakan polls: Chia's 'Declaration Against Money Politics' a publicity stunt, say fellow candidates

SANDAKAN: Independent candidate Chia Siew Yung has been lambasted for trying to pull a publicity stunt in his campaign when he invited all election candidates to sign the "Sandakan Declaration Against Money Politics" with him.

Chia, 45, had previously issued a statement calling on the candidates to pledge their support at the signing ceremony, which is expected to held at a hotel on Sunday (May 5).

The businessman-turned-politician said he was approached by different groups claiming to be able to get voters' influence in return for payment, and decided to make his stand clear via the declaration.

However, fellow independent candidate Sulaiman Abdul Samat claimed Chia's move was merely a "publicity stunt".

"It is simple. It is a gimmick and he just wants publicity.

"He is not a politician, he was formerly in the palm oil industry.

"So he has no political experience whatsoever," said the 36-year-old Sulaiman Abdul Samat.

Sulaiman, who was previously an administrative assistant with four years experience in politics, said he will slow down with his campaigning when the fasting month of Ramadan starts next week.

"Maybe I will attend the breaking of fast at mosques, but we cannot hold talks in that vicinity.

"But I am not planning campaign trails during day time, maybe I will consider evening just before breaking of fast but not earlier," he said.

Sulaiman is having two ceramah on Saturday (May 4) at 4pm in Kg Sim Sim and 8pm in Taman Harmoni.

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) candidate Datuk Linda Tsen Thau Lin also echoed Sulaiman's sentiments, saying such an act was a cheap publicity stunt by Chia to draw support from Sandakan voters.

"I will have to excuse myself from Chia's call to sign the declaration as I am fully occupied with my very tight schedule, especially with polling just about week away," she said in a text reply.

The May 11 Sandakan by-election was called after the sudden death of former MP and Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Stephen Wong Tien Fatt on March 28.

Wong's youngest daughter Vivian, 30, who is also from DAP, would be squaring off against Tsen in a five-cornered fight.

Others in the race as independents are former Sabah PAS and later Sabah Amanah chairman Hamzah Abdullah, 65, Chia and Sulaiman.- Star