By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 7: Democratic Action Party Socialist Youth (Dapsy) Sarawak has condemned the recent wave of criticism against Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, calling it unjust, politically motivated, and a diversion from the real issues plaguing the healthcare system.
According to Dapsy Sarawak secretary George Lam in a press statement, Yong has come under fire from certain healthcare quarters and netizens after she assisted the family of a patient who allegedly faced a treatment delay at the Sarawak Heart Centre.
“Her actions, firmly grounded in her responsibility to the people, have now been twisted into accusations of ‘insulting medical personnel’ and ‘disrespecting medical professionalism’.
“More worryingly, an online petition calling for her resignation has been launched — a move we view as deeply unfair, and indicative of politically driven motives aimed at discrediting a committed opposition lawmaker.
“In response, I strongly refute these unfounded and misleading allegations. We must question whether these attacks are part of a deliberate attempt by certain parties to manipulate public sentiment and undermine YB Violet Yong’s public image,” he said.
Lam further asserted that Yong had never targeted the dedicated frontliners who continue to work tirelessly under challenging conditions.
“Her concerns are directed at systemic flaws within our healthcare infrastructure — including manpower shortages, administrative inefficiencies, and prolonged patient wait times.
“These long-standing issues have caused immense distress to patients and their families, and they remain unresolved.”
Lam emphasised that Yong’s actions were rooted in her role as an elected representative who is morally and politically obliged to raise public grievances.
“In the case in question, the patient’s family — having endured prolonged delays — sought help from YB Violet Yong.
“As a duly elected representative, she acted as a bridge between the people and the authorities — a role she was elected to fulfill.
“Her voice was raised not just for one patient, but for all who suffer in silence, including medical staff caught in a strained system,” he stressed.
Expressing admiration for healthcare workers, Lam said their dedication must be matched by concrete reforms to ease their burden and support their vital work.
“It is precisely because we hold their contributions in such high regard that we must not allow systemic deficiencies, administrative oversights, or resource misallocations to continue placing undue and unjust burdens upon them. These challenges should not fall solely on their shoulders.”
Lam also claimed that in a functioning democracy, elected representatives are expected to question authorities, demand accountability, and advocate for reforms.
“If such efforts are silenced through public backlash, petitions, or vilification, how can our democratic institutions function effectively?
“What we are witnessing is not merely a personal attack on Violet Yong — it is an assault on the democratic principle of speaking truth to power.”
He urged the public to focus on the root causes of the crisis instead of being distracted by personal attacks and politicised narratives.
“Why must patients wait so long for proper treatment? Why do medical resource shortages persist year after year? Why have the relevant agencies failed to act effectively?” Lam questioned.
He reaffirmed that Dapsy’s goal is not to stir controversy but to push for a healthcare system that truly works — for patients and medical professionals alike.
“We do not need a silent government, nor silent representatives. What we need is a system that listens, responds, and truly serves the people,” he said. — DayakDaily
