By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 5: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng hits back at Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong over the parking coupon refund issue, accusing her of politicising an administrative matter through what he described as “mala fide, misleading, and malicious” claims.
In his statement today, Wee said Yong’s latest remarks questioning the role of a council representative on the board of Kuching City Parking Systems Sdn. Bhd. (KCPS) were another attempt to turn an administrative issue into political theatre, stressing that the council has been transparent and accountable in handling refund requests.
Wee drew a parallel between his representative role in KCPS, a public-private partnership, and the responsibilities held by senior federal government officials in similar organisations.
He noted that former Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, for instance, served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Minister of Finance Incorporated (MOF Inc.), which manages the nation’s strategic assets. Likewise, Transport Minister Anthony Loke exercises oversight over major entities such as Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and Prasarana Malaysia Berhad.
“So when a Sarawak mayor sits on a similar board, why the double standard?” he asked.
Wee cautioned Yong that statements made outside the legislative floor are subject to the same standards of truth and responsibility as those expected of any ordinary member of the public.
At the same time, he dispelled any notion that the council is benefitting from the ongoing refund process of the parking coupons.
“Let me be clear: MBKS does not and will not profit from this parking coupon incident. To suggest otherwise would be defamatory in nature, advancing falsehood and innuendo,” said Wee.
He insisted the current scrutiny is not a scandal, but a reflection of the council fulfilling its mandate for public accountability and governance.
Regarding the coupon refunds, Wee explained that the process, coordinated by MBKS, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), and KCPS, is systematic and audit-compliant.
While refunds for 2025 coupons are being processed, older coupons require careful verification due to uncertainty over the number still in circulation, some of which may have expired.
He also noted that MBKS had deployed officers and volunteers to help residents, particularly senior citizens, through its Pay and Go Elderly Easy Payment (EEP) scheme, saying the purpose has always been to make life easier for the residents.
“Accountability and procedural integrity matter. Without due verification processes in place, anyone could fabricate claims or submit forged coupons.
“The same people who complain of inconvenience today would be the first to allege corruption tomorrow if abuse occurred. You cannot have it both ways,” he said. —DayakDaily
