KUCHING, Jan 21: Sarawak Patriot Association (SPA) is disappointed that certain quarters are politicising the issue where Attorney-General (AG) Tommy Thomas and Chief Justice (CJ) Tan Sri Richard Malanjum were dancing with Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong and other prominent lawyers and activists on stage.
The dance took place during the gala dinner of the ‘Opening of the Legal Year 2019’ in Sabah recently.
Although SPA recognised the freedom of speech as enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, SPA secretary David Hii Chin Loung said it was very unfortunate that this act, which was essentially an act of social harmony that reflected Sabah and Sarawak’s harmonious culture, had been “twisted” by several quarters.
“Simply dancing together at an event will not undermine judicial independence. The people of Sarawak take pride in the peaceful harmonious and united society that we live in. We do not welcome disturbances like this in Sarawak,” Hii said in a statement today.
SPA also supported the call by the Advocates Association of Sarawak and the Sabah Law Society to defend the harmonious act.
“SPA is confident that the people will not be easily swayed by the criticisms and that the confidence in Malaysia’s judiciary will strengthen even more after this,” Hii reckoned.
Meanwhile, SPA is considering organising a dance event for charity and plans to invite distinguished guests from the Pakatan Harapan federal government, Gabungan Parti Sarawak state government, Parti Warisan Sabah state government, Barisan Nasional members and members of the judiciary, including interested guests, to participate and dance together for charity. — DayakDaily
