By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 14: Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang (GPS-SUPP) has expressed disappointment over the style of politics that prioritises insinuation, personal attacks, and public smearing over substantive debate and responsible policymaking as exhibited by the oppostion in Sarawak Legislative Assembly
To him, instead of discussing solutions, policies, or constructive proposals for Sarawak, Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen (PH-DAP) has chosen to rely on association politics — attempting to create suspicion and political damage through names, appearances at events, and selective insinuations broadcast on live television.
“That style of politics may generate headlines, but it does not elevate the standards of this August House,” said Lo at a press conference on the sideline of Sarawak Legislative Assembly here today.
He was responding to Chong who when debating Motion of Thanks on TYT Address in Sarawak Legislative Assembly had accused Lo of appearing at various public and political-related events with an individual linked to criminal activities including extortion, racketeering and other offences.
Lo of Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) said this kind of politics divides rather than unites.
“This is precisely the problem with the opposition’s style of politics. Too often, they seek to destroy reputations first and establish facts later. Too often, they rely on perception, insinuation, and outrage instead of evidence and responsibility.
“Sarawak deserves better than politics built on hostility and character assassination. Our people expect maturity, fairness, unity, and leadership grounded in facts and due process — not trial by association on live television,” said Lo.
He held that the argument put forward by Chong is deeply flawed because it is built entirely on insinuation and guilt by association rather than evidence.
“Simply appearing at public events, dinners, sponsorship functions, or community programmes together with political leaders does not prove criminal involvement, political collusion, or institutional wrongdoing.
“Political parties and elected representatives interact with thousands of members of the public, businesspersons, sponsors, NGOs, and organisers every year. Attendance at an event is not evidence of criminal conspiracy or institutional involvement,” said Lo.
He said if that logic were to be accepted, then virtually every political party in Malaysia could be accused of wrongdoing based on photographs or event attendance with thousands of members of the public, businessmen, donors, or community figures over the years.
“The Honourable Member (Chong) says the public may ‘perceive’ a bad message. But this House should not legislate or condemn based on rumours, perceptions, or political speculation. We must rely on facts, due process, and the rule of law.
“More importantly, if there truly were serious and credible concerns already known to the authorities, then law enforcement agencies should investigate and act based on evidence and due process — not through political insinuation in this House,” said Lo. —DayakDaily
