Focus on ministers’ performance, not what they consume, says DAP MP

 

Dr Kelvin Yii (left) said ministers should be judged on their work, after Tiong King Sing was criticised for ‘drinking alcohol and eating pork’ in his office.

PETALING JAYA: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii says criticism of any minister should be based on performance or policy direction, not what they consume.

His statement follows the controversy surrounding tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing, who has been accused of drinking alcohol and eating pork in his office.

Yii, of DAP, said there should be no discussion of what any minister consumes as long as it does not interfere with their capacity to carry out their duties.

“Critics of any minister should scrutinise them for their policy direction and performance, and not menial and divisive things such as their right to eat and drink non-halal products, which clearly has malicious intent to divide our multicultural and multireligious society,” he told FMT.

He urged the opposition to be responsible and voice out the public’s legitimate concerns in a constructive manner that also provides a check and balance to the country’s democracy.

Yii said the opposition’s criticism must be condemned as it is only thinking of power and personal gain.

“If we are too caught up in divisive and extreme sentiments such as this, how are we going to move forward and focus on more important things such as the welfare of the people, jobs and the economy?” he said.

On Friday, Tiong challenged an anonymous critic to come forward in two weeks after an allegation was spread on WhatsApp that he drinks alcohol and eats pork in the office.

He said if his accuser is not willing to discuss the issue in a “more dignified and aboveboard way”, then he will not rule out legal action.

“If it is all true, why not reveal yourself? Are you harbouring some guilt about something?” he said.

Tiong said he usually ignores baseless accusations, but the content of the message was racially sensitive and a clear attempt to incite racial hatred.

He also denied keeping a personal stock of alcohol in the office, but did say that alcohol was present, and were gifts from overseas guests. - FMT