Sarawak DAP chairperson Chong Chieng Jen has stood by his decision not to support the Sarawak legislative assembly’s motion of appreciation in honour of the late Abdul Taib Mahmud.
The Padungan assemblyperson pointed out that the people had voted him into the assembly to represent their voices, not to speak pleasing words into the ears of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“Therefore, with 80 out of 82 assemblypersons supporting the motion, it is only proper and befitting that at least two speak for the people who don’t agree with the motion and record their dissenting views.
“The brickbats from the GPS assemblyperson against me only show the arrogance and bullying mentality and tendency of GPS in the state assembly,” Chong (above) said.
On Wednesday, Chong said that despite Taib’s contributions to the development of Sarawak, there was also a cloud of suspicion over his administration when he was the chief minister.
Sarawak’s Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah rebuked the Stampin MP, saying his action was uncalled for, contradictory to Asian values, and disrespectful to those who have passed on.
Tupong assemblyperson Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman also called on Chong not to state his stand during the motion.
Respect differing views
In response to Fazzrudin, Chong said GPS assemblypersons should learn to respect and appreciate different views and not try to silence them.
“Taib was a controversial figure during his tenure as the chief minister of Sarawak.
“Though he has contributed to the development of Sarawak, he also allowed the erosion of Sarawak’s rights under MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963) during his tenure.
“Governance was also a big concern during his time (it is still a concern now),” he added.
He said the call for him not to express dissenting views was not good for democracy in Sarawak and its people.
Instead, it accentuates the urgent need for more checks and balances in the Sarawak assembly, he added.
- Mkini
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