By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 21: Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong has called for urgent action to address the lack of Chinese representation in Sarawak’s police leadership, pointing out that not a single Chinese Officer-in-Charge of Police District (OCPD) has been appointed in the State over the last decade.
Raising the issue during her motion of appreciation on the TYT’s address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting today, Yong said the situation reflects a deeper concern over the lack of representation, communication, and cultural understanding between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
“Sarawak has 28 police districts, supported by approximately 85 police stations and 15 outposts. While the number of personnel is not publicly disclosed, it is estimated that about 7,000 officers and rank-and-file members are serving in the State.
“Yet, in the last 10 years, there has not been a single Chinese OCPD appointed in Sarawak. This is especially troubling in districts with significant Chinese populations such as Kuching, Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu,” she said.
Yong stressed that the issue is not about numbers alone but about fair representation and the need for diversity in key leadership roles within the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
“Sarawak is a model of racial harmony. This spirit must be mirrored in all institutions, particularly in enforcement agencies that work closely with the people,” she said.
She recalled that the last Chinese OCPD in Kuching was ACP Mun Kok Kiong, who served until 2011 before being transferred to Miri where he completed his service in 2012. In Sibu, the last Chinese OCPD was the late DSP Vincent Siong Man Heng, who retired in the mid-1990s.
Other notable Chinese officers who have served with distinction include Supt Ambrose Chung (Miri, 2004), DSP Chung Aik Peng (Serian, 2016), Supt Ng Ah Lek (Padawan, 2015), Supt Choo Yin Kok (Padawan, 2016), DSP Lee Thai Lien (Saratok, 2016), Supt Wong Chee Keong (Lundu, 2019), and DSP Wong Tee Kue (Simunjan, 2022).
However, Deputy Speaker Dato Idris Buang responded by saying the matter falls under federal jurisdiction, noting that Sarawak ministers may not be able to provide answers.
“The best thing is to ask your friend, Yang Berhormat Padungan (Chong Chieng Jen) to bring it up in Parliament,” Idris said, referring to Chong, who is also the Member of Parliament for Stampin.
Yong countered by stressing the importance of Sarawak’s government presenting the request to the federal government.
“This is G to G—Government to Government. I raised this so that the Sarawak government can bring this matter to the attention of the federal government, just like how they are fighting for Sarawak’s oil and gas rights,” she asserted.
Idris pointed out again that Chong, being aligned with the federal government under the Madani administration, could raise the matter in Parliament.
Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman attempted to raise a point of order, but Yong insisted on completing her motion.
“There is nothing wrong, just tell the federal government and the Ministry of Home Affairs. Let us work towards fair and inclusive representation within PDRM in Sarawak,” she urged. — DayakDaily
