By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Sept 4: Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang’s “roots of corruption” remark is a very narrow opinion, says Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
According to Dr Sim, such a remark is not what Sarawak came for during the formation of Malaysia and it is his own opinion, which does not represent Sarawak.
“Sarawak doesn’t welcome those divisive forces and extremism just because the election is around the corner,” he said when met by reporters after officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for San Seng Tong Centre of Buddhism, Culture and Education at Jalan Wan Abdul Rahman, here today.
Dr Sim, who is also the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president, pointed out that certain Malayan parties resorted to such measures to get votes every time the election is near.
“They are bankrupt of ideas, and that is why they need keep on falling into all these same strategies,” he said.
Meanwhile, when asked if he agreed that Abdul Hadi should be banned from entering Sarawak, Dr Sim said only the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has the authority.
When further pressed on if he has any knowledge of the Premier doing so, Dr Sim said he was not informed of such a matter.
“How do you know that the Premier has not banned him? I mean you have to ask the Premier. If you ask me, you are asking the wrong person,” he added.
Recently, on Aug 29, Sarawak human rights activist Peter John Jaban called for Abdul Hadi to be arrested for his “roots of corruption” remark or a street protest will be held.
Abdul Hadi had made the remark in a Facebook post dated Aug 20, that corruption stemmed from those who reaped profit through illegal means.
“In fact, the majority of those involved in ruining the country’s politics and economy were non-Muslims and non-Bumiputeras,” said Abdul Hadi. — DayakDaily
