Those challenging authorities should have the book thrown at them: Tiong

Tiong checking the site near SMK Bandar Bintulu where a drunk driver rammed into a police road block last night.

KUCHING, Apr 4: Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has lambasted those who ill-treat the police enforcing the Movement Control Order (MCO).

“I appeal to all our fellow Malaysians and local residents to play their part and cooperate with the police and obey the relevant laws and regulations during the Movement Control Order, which had been extended to 14 April 2020.

“Refrain from ill-treating our hardworking police officers who are only performing their duties and yet, forced to endure the callous and frustrating attitudes of some citizens. The MCO is necessary to safeguard all Malaysians, and the police are among the front liners protecting us against the Covid-19 pandemic,” Tiong said here today.

He was referring to an unfortunate incident in which a drunk driver rammed into a police checkpoint in Bintulu last night.

“Motorists who perpetrate these violations during the MCO must be given the full extent of the law, including for putting the lives of the police in danger and not cooperating with the MCO.

“It is very distressing to know that during this pandemic control period, there are still irresponsible people who challenge the law. Not only by violating the stay-at-home directive but also driving drunk and speeding, potentially harming others,” he said.

Tiong, who is also Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president, asserted that the police must throw the book at these irresponsible people who knowingly break the law and put others in danger.

“Bring them to court to face the full extent of the law. We must not condone these kinds of behaviour. Those who insist on going by their whims and fancies have obviously dismissed the impact of the pandemic on our society. They are selfish and should be dealt with accordingly under the law.

“The police are the front liners carrying out the tasks in their mandated duties, enduring the scorching sun and rainy season at the same time. They are among the most exposed to infection by being outside. Their family members must be worried sick for them as well,” he said.—DayakDaily