By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 8: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen emphasised that the issue raised by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong regarding a medical case in Sarawak Heart Centre (SHC) should not become a platform for personal attacks, but a reminder of the need for clear communication from both politicians and public institutions.
In a statement defending Yong today, Chong, who is also the Padungan assemblyman, expressed regret that Yong’s Facebook post had been misinterpreted as a malicious act, drawing significant attention, including criticism from certain political circles and medical professionals.
Following the Sarawak Health Department’s statement and after verifying the facts directly with Yong, Chong clarified that the complaint was not fabricated.
“It stemmed from a WhatsApp message Yong received from a family friend, the wife of the patient in question. The wife, who works at a private hospital in Kuching, expressed concern that her husband, admitted to SHC, had not seen a cardiologist for over 20 hours.
“Faced with this uncertainty and deeply worried for her husband’s well-being, she reached out to Yong for assistance. Given the gravity of the case, involving a patient transferred for suspected cardiac issues, Yong, acting in good faith and without direct access to the person-in-charge at SHC, chose to take the matter public,” Chong explained.
He emphasised that Yong had no intention of maligning the hospital staff; rather, her goal was to highlight a situation where the patient’s family felt unsupported during a critical time.
Chong further explained that Yong’s post was directed to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who oversees public health matters in Sarawak.
“As the relevant authority, it was entirely appropriate for Yong to address him directly and seek his intervention in the matter.
“It is unfortunate that Yong’s efforts to assist a family in need have been misunderstood. As elected representatives, we are often the first point of contact for the rakyat during urgent situations. Our duty is to act swiftly and decisively when called upon, especially in moments of distress,” he added.
He reiterated that the issue should not result in personal vilification but should instead highlight the pressing need for better communication.
While acknowledging the hard work and dedication of healthcare professionals across Sarawak and Malaysia, Chong stressed that public representatives must also ensure that the voices of those who feel unheard are raised and addressed.
“Let us move forward constructively to ensure better communication, quicker responses, and more empathy in our service to the people,” he called on. — DayakDaily
