By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, July 16: Since Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How is the one who chose to resign from Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Consultative Committee, then he should forever be silent on the subject of Sarawak’s fights for lost rights.
This is the view of Muara Tuang assemblyman Datuk Idris Buang, who believed that See had forfeited the opportunity to raise concerns on Sarawak’s rights when the latter resigned from DUN Consultative Committee recently.
“It would be quite unfair if he were to raise concerns over what DUN Consultative Committee is doing in the future. See has given up the opportunity of working together with GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) and other opposition members in the committee which by itself is a transparent platform where no one will harbour any suspicion but work together with sincerity in delving into matters affecting Sarawak under MA63,” Idris told DayakDaily.
He said the committee came into being following an idea mooted by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, which was approved by DUN.
“This is one of the best things that happened in Sarawak in its attempt to prioritise the regaining of its rights where politicians from all sides of political divides could put aside their political differences and contribute to this common good.
“The setting up of this committee shows the sincerity that Sarawak’s rights matter and Sarawak’s interests are of foremost and utmost importance and the struggle goes beyond political bounds.”
He opined that See’s resignation may just be a simple mistake to some but is a great loss to the idea of a collaboration between Sarawakian politicians of diverse political views.
“For that, I am very disappointed with him. And since he is the one refusing to be part of the important advisory body, he should then forever be silent on the subject and should not speak outside with regards to the matters (pertaining of Sarawak’s rights).
“Nonetheless, following See’s resignation, things will still go as transparent and tenacious as it should be as Sarawak’s interests are upheld as of uppermost importance ,” said Idris who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief.
See had resigned on July 14 from DUN Consultative Committee in protest over Sarawak government’s negotiation with Petronas over SST without consulting the committee.
Idris speculated that See may have mixed up between the duties entrusted to DUN Consultative Committee and those of the joint committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
“The DUN Consultative Commitee is to fight for the overall lost rights of Sarawak under MA63 which encompasses many areas including oil and gas rights, health and education, tourism and culture and others.
“Meanwhile, the joint committee under Datuk Awang Tengah is set up with the sole responsibility of negotiating for business participation with Petronas and the federal government. It is nothing to do with SST.
“YB See may have the duties of the two committees mixed up, hence the misunderstanding and the hasty move,” Idris opined.—DayakDaily
