By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, June 2: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Datuk Idris Buang clarifies that he is not overreacting over Penggerak Komuniti Negara Sarawak issue.
In fact, he was reacting normally and he did not mind to be accused of overprotecting over Sarawak’s rights and interests.
He asserted he would zealously safeguard Sarawak’s rights and he will do it whenever attempts are made to undermine Sarawak’s rights.
“I am sorry if Nurhanim (Nurhanim Moksen, Penggerak Komuniti Negara Sarawak chairwoman) feels that I am overreacting. Actually, I am overprotective over Sarawak’s rights and interests as well as its law and I do not apologise for being so.
“I am just zealously safeguarding Sarawak’s right and when I said ‘safeguarding’, I really mean it,” Idris told DayakDaily when asked to respond on Nurhanim’s statement.
Idris pointed out the Sarawak government has not been consulted on the setting up of the NGO’s Sarawak branch and the purpose of its formation.
“The setting up of the NGO is something which is not consulted (sic) with the Sarawak government. It thus becomes something questionable even though they have good intentions.
“I hope if it is really something good, work it out with the Sarawak government. Make the right collaborative arrangement with the Sarawak government so that local communities and the Sarawak government are really comfortable about it.
“It is good that she (Nurhanim) came out with that explanation — that their objective is to help the needy people, but they have to harmonise with the local requirements,” said Idris.
The Muara Tuang assemblyman said the Sarawak government will not only encourage well-intended efforts which bring great benefit to the people but will also lend a helping hand to hasten it.
“All good efforts still have to adhere to the prevalent law, local tradition and culture. There may be other NGOs masquerading as NGOs but with hidden agendas whose end is to disrupt our harmony at the community level.
“At the same time, if all good-intentioned NGOs were to work closely together with the Sarawak government, there will be no confusion among people, especially those in longhouses, kampung and coffeeshops,” Idris added.
Citing the introduction of the Federal Village Community Management Council (MPKKP) by the former Pakatan Harapan government, Idris disclosed following that attempt, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) is now on full alert for organisations masquerading as NGOs but harbouring the hidden agenda of disrupting the harmony of local communities.
“Once burnt, twice shy. We don’t want to be caught with another MPKKP again,” Idris emphasised.
He had recently called out PKN and underlined his opposition for its setting up in Sarawak, apart from likening it to MPKKP.
In response, Nurhanim opined Idris was too “kan cheong” or nervous about this community-based NGO. She claimed that PKN was set up very much with the welfare needs of the community at heart and complement efforts by the authorities to provide necessary assistance in whatever forms and reach out to communities in need. — DayakDaily
Note of Editor: The story has been updated.
