By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 17: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) has slammed allegations that residents residing in opposition-held areas are being treated “indifferently” or are not taken seriously by government departments and agencies.
PDP president Dato Sri Tiong King Sing stressed that government departments and agencies in Sarawak always uphold the principle of “Sarawak First” and maintain a fair attitude in carrying out their duties and services. He asserted government departments and agencies are always dedicated to addressing issues faced by the people and improving the well-being of the people, especially in Sarawak.
“As a politician, I disagree if there are allegations that citizens in opposition-administered areas are treated ‘indifferently’ or are not taken seriously by any government department or agency.
“Keep in mind that the government administration has never been affected by political differences of parties. The resources that are channeled or allocated do not discriminate the citizens just because an area is controlled by the opposition. (There is) no favoritism or unfair distribution of aid to them (the residents),” said Tiong who is Federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, in a statement today.
Citing his own parliamentary seat of Bintulu where he has served for over 20 years, he said that local government officials are always fully cooperative in providing public services and solving local issues, which has resulted in a harmonious and prosperous Bintulu.
“I have never seen a local government official treating issues differently or showing preferences because of the political understanding of an ADUN (an assemblyman whose State constituency is) under the Bintulu parliamentary seat.
“Thus, the allegations of government officials disregarding citizens’ issues because of political differences are completely untrue,” said Tiong who is the Bintulu MP and also Dudong assemblyman.
He, however, acknowledged that some local government officials did make mistakes, which he thought should be corrected and their professionalism improved.
Pointing out that these are challenges faced by the local government, he said it has been the responsibility of both the ruling government and the opposition to work together to improve services for the rakyat.
“I therefore urge politicians not to influence their opponents for personal agendas or self-promotion, which may unfairly lead to accusations against government officials, causing people to believe that officials are biased or local government administration are influenced by party politics,” said Tiong. — DayakDaily
