By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Jan 22: The controversy surrounding Kuching South City Hall’s (MBKS) rejection of an application to hold an almsgiving and gathering event at Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre has sparked an interesting debate between its mayor, a former councillor and an opposition leader.
The whole episode started with the application of JKKK Padungan and JKKK Ang Cheng Ho, along with several other NGOs to hold an almsgiving and gathering event at Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre on Jan 18 (Saturday). The application, however, was turned down by MBKS.
Former MBKS councillor Datuk Lily Yong who is also Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kuching branch chairwoman questioned the rationale of refusing the application. Stating that such events have always been approved by previous mayors at the hawker centre, she wondered why the application was dismissed under current mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
She also questioned whether there are any regulations or newly enacted rules prohibiting the hawker centre from being used as a venue for gatherings. If such regulations exist, she asked why events like Kenyalang Gold Card application and Mothers’ Day celebrations were allowed to be held there.
Pointing out that many events had been held at hawker centres, attended by prime ministers, deputy prime ministers and ministers with turnouts of tens of thousands, she believed that there are no rules or regulations, prohibiting events at hawker centres.
Wee when contacted yesterday said the application was rejected as council regulations stipulate that no political events should be held in public places under MBKS except during election campaigns. Another reason for rejecting the application was to avoid setting a precedent.
“We have to make decisions in accordance with the council rules and ordinances. We cannot set precedent, as that could lead to difficulties in managing areas under MBKS jurisdiction.
“Furthermore, the hawker centre itself is not suitable to hold gathering as business operations and the customers will be affected,” Wee told DayakDaily.
He expressed disappointment that MBKS’ decision has been read as an abuse of power especially when the council had made the effort to propose using the level below the hawker centre as the event venue.
That level, he explained, has been used by those practising Chinese Chi Kung. If the organisers had chosen to use that space, the event would not have violated council rules.
The proposal, however, was rejected by the organisers who instead held the event at Song Kheng Hai carpark.
“They used the Song Kheng Hai carpark to hold the event without our approval and we did not take action against them,” said Wee.
While the issue may have been rested between Wee and Yong, it was picked up by Michael Kong, the special assistant to Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen who also issued a statement yesterday questioning MBKS’ decision.
Kong argued that MBKS’ decision raised serious questions about its consistency and fairness in enforcing these regulations.
“Just recently, (Deputy Premier cum Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Dato Amar Dr) Sim Kui Hian and (Kota Sentosa assemblyman) Wilfred Yap were seen in photographs attending a charity event at Hui Sing Hawker Centre, where GPS’ logo was prominently displayed.
“If Wee Hong Seng is serious about upholding these regulations, will MBKS take action against Sim Kui Hian and Wilfred Yap for this clear violation?
“Furthermore, I understand that the rejected event at Song Kheng Hai was intended to be a charity program aimed at helping the needy. Denying approval for such an initiative is not only unreasonable but morally wrong. When it comes to helping those in need, MBKS should adopt a more inclusive and facilitative approach, as collaboration and support from all parties are crucial in building a stronger and more united community,” said Kong in a statement today.
He reminded Wee that MBKS is an institution established to serve the public, not to advance political agendas. Its responsibilities go beyond legal obligations and include upholding moral principles of fairness and equality.
In response, Wee advised Kong not to jump on the bandwagon to gain cheap publicity but to get his facts straight before involving himself in other people’s business, issuing a warning—“Stop misleading or I will see you in court”.
“The event held at Hui Sing Hawker Centre was one organised by the hawker association themselves. They applied and their application was justified and approved.
“Packets of food without logo were given to the needy. Throughout the entire event, there was never a display of any political party’s logo, as evidenced by the pictures taken then,” said Wee.
He said Chinese New Year is approaching and hoped that the issue would be put to rest and let the people be the judge.
“Those who only come back to Kuching every now and then, please do not return just to criticise. For those who intent to ride on cheap publicity, please check your facts before making accusations,” said Wee. — DayakDaily
