KUCHING, Dec 20: The baseless rumours speculating on Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) victory had caused unnecessary restlessness among the people, said newly elected Dudong assemblyman Dato Seri Tiong King Sing.
He said unless these baseless speculations stop, legal action may be taken to reduce fake news and further misunderstandings.
“These rumours, centred mostly on alleged money politics, have unfairly and without evidence disparaged election campaigners and party staff for not ‘distributing funds’ to voters.
“Some say others received money, while they did not. Is anyone’s reputation and dignity worth risking for a mere RM100 or RM1,000? Worth risking so that they could be blamed later on?” he questioned in a statement today.
Tiong, who is Bintulu MP and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president, said everyone in Dudong is welcome to ask people in Bintulu if they have been paid for their votes in the past five parliament terms.
“I believe the people of Bintulu would just slap the faces of those who make irresponsible allegations and spread fake news,” he pointed out.
Tiong also mentioned that the relevant law agencies have already arrested and questioned several suspects for spreading baseless rumours of vote-buying and taking part in the same.
He also urged everyone to stay rational and not indulge in spreading fake allegations of vote-buying without evidence to back up their claims.
“My hope is for the people to support and trust in GPS because we can drive local development and improve people’s standards of living.
“Through cooperation between the Government and the people, we can correct past mistakes and look forward to the future to create a better Dudong, a better Sibu, and a better Sarawak, step by step.
“With the final election results tallied, the people have made their choices, and the mudslinging between the parties can stop. Now, the ruling and Opposition parties need to put service to the people first, and work together towards development and create a better future,” he emphasised. ― DayakDaily
