[ad_1]
Tiong king sing
SIBU: The Chairman of the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, yesterday urged his critics not to rush to a conclusion without looking at the big picture he posed during his speech while debating the Supply Bill in Parliament on Wednesday.
He reiterated that he had no malicious intent against anyone, especially with Heath’s Managing Director (DG) Tan Sri, Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah.
He said that Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Vice Chairman Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah should endeavor to fact-check his full text of speech in parliament rather than relying on news reports that have been sensational based on a one-sided report from Democrats. Action Party (DAP) Jelutong MP RSN Rayer’s antics in Parliament.
He also asked Abdul Karim to explain why he was so taken aback by his statements.
“As a member of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), who is considered a high-ranking politician, you should understand the deeper issue before speaking.
“And if you really feel that all members of GPS are part of the same family, then please do me the courtesy of contacting me directly to understand the ins and outs of the matter before commenting,” Tiong said in a statement yesterday.
Tiong, who is also a MP from Bintulu, said that he did not agree with Abdul Karim’s statement that what he said in parliament should not come from the mouth of a Sarawak MP and GPS leader.
“As wakil rakyat, we must be courageous in speaking out for our grassroots. Are we not responsible for being the channel for your complaints and thoughts? While doing so can attract thieves and censorship from all corners, we should stand up and speak for the people rather than let them be ignored, ”he said.
He also asked Abdul Karim what Dr. Noor Hisham has done for Sarawak in terms of fighting the pandemic.
“Think of the personal protective equipment (PPE) that Sarawak had seriously lacked in the past, forcing leaders to cut up plastic bags into makeshift PPE and others need to buy their own PPE.
“This alone raises doubts about the effectiveness of the country’s fight against Covid-19, and there are still doubts about whether the system is complete enough to carry us forward. Does Abdul Karim believe that these questions and concerns deserve to be addressed? ” I ask.
Tiong, on the other hand, thanked the President of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Tan Sri Datuk Amar, Dr. James Masing, for reminding him of the misuse of words and supporting his views that the Director General of Health must also understand personally the situation at the grassroots level and discuss strategies to combat the Covid-19 pademic with community leaders.
“I must reiterate once again that I did not mean to offend our front-line staff. In fact, I specifically pointed out their selfless dedication to fighting the pandemic. What he had pointed out is the personal responsibility and the responsibility of the General Directorate of Health during this difficult period.
“These issues must be taken much more seriously, for the health and future of all Malaysians. There is no reason to drag religion and ethnicity into this matter, ”he said.
Tiong, who is also a special envoy to the People’s Republic of China, added that his concern for the people was genuine as the Covid-19 pandemic has devastated people’s livelihoods across the country.
He said he just wanted Dr. Noor Hisham to go to the ground frequently to understand the best way to tackle the pandemic that has worsened.
He also asked Dr. Noor Hisham why he had gone to Sabah in August when cases were relatively low, but not in recent weeks when cases have increased considerably.
“Surely there have been some extraordinary measures other than the usual precautions that could have been put in place to prevent this increase in cases recently,” he said.
Tiong reiterated that there was nothing wrong with asking Dr. Noor Hisham to come down to the ground to see for himself the real problems and shortcomings leaders face.
“If you still don’t understand, I would like to repeat here again that I am not slandering you or your reputation. Asking whether one is ‘takut mati’ should not be construed as an implication of religion in the matter and neither should you. It is a completely normal lay term.
“By highlighting the weaknesses and deficiencies that the CEO must investigate, I am simply fulfilling my duty to present the sentiments of the leaders and rakyat, who want and deserve some real answers,” added Tiong.
In the meantime, Tiong said, he would not like to prolong the problem but hoped that everyone, regardless of political affiliations, would come together to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
[ad_2]
