KUCHING, Oct 7: Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party (Aspirasi) will not condone political corruption where elected representatives trade their political affiliations for personal interests, even to the extent of bringing down a government.
Aspirasi potential candidate for Batu Lintang Alex Leong Shaow Tung said such “political frogs” breach the people’s trust who had voted for them out of hope that they will serve the rakyat.
“But instead, (they) let the people down by betraying their political party and the people,” he pointed out in a media release today.
Expecting and welcoming a crowded contest for the Batu Lintang seat in the upcoming state election, Leong, who is also Sarawak for Sarawakians (S4S) founder, thus urged voters to make wise choices.
“A multi-cornered contest reflects a functioning democratic system where the voters can choose their representative to carry their voices to the Sarawak law making assembly, DUN.
“Be wise in choosing a representative who will be brave and fearless to voice out the people’s aspiration and hope for a better Sarawak in DUN (State Legislative Assembly),” he called on.
Leong’s aspiration is to bring change by advocating a referendum bill – Sarawak Independence Referendum Ordinance – to be legislated in DUN.
“Only a referendum can legitimise the people’s aspiration for change and is the only process universally recognised today as the only way to consult the people on what kind of country we wish for our future,” he added.
Leong, in responding to Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How’s announcement on seeking re-election, hopes See will have now changed his opinion on the referendum as he had once admonished Aspirasi’s advocacy for referendum as “lawless, hostile and violent” as reported in the news in January this year.
“The people of Sarawak have the right to national self-determination as enshrined in the United Nations Charter to be decided by a referendum in a lawful, constitutional and peaceful process,” he emphasised.
However, Leong also urged the Sarawak government not to call for the state election this year considering the recent spike in Covid-19 cases due to the Sabah snap elections held last month.
“Furthermore, the mandate only expires on June 7, 2021. An election this year runs the risk of being a super-spreader event.
“The Sarawak government must put the people’s interest and welfare above politics,” he said.
Moreover, he added that an election this year in the midst of an epidemic will also deter senior citizens from going out to vote and prevent many Sarawakians who work outside Sarawak including Singapore, Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah from coming home to vote.
“By denying them of their vote, this is denying them their democratic right to choose their government,” he said. — DayakDaily
