By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, April 27: Bintulu MP Dato Sri Tiong King Sing urges politicians to focus their efforts on fighting the Covid-19 pandemic in the country rather than calling for Parliament to be reconvened.
Tiong who is also the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president said both members of the ruling and opposition parties should be focusing on flattening the coronavirus infection curve and unite to keep the people informed with the most accurate information regarding the pandemic rather than than trying to spark panic or hatred among the people.
“As the party president and a Member of Parliament, I strongly agree that Parliament plays an important role in reflecting the issues of the constituencies to an elected MP (sic).
“However, everyone must realise that the most important mission now is the anti-pandemic measures of each constituency.
“As some constituencies are located way remotely, more attention is needed in contacting (sic) information, receiving correct pandemic prevention information, and obtaining corresponding assistance.
“Therefore, the politicians should devote their absolute effort…to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said in a statement.
Tiong opined that many rural residents still do not understand the importance of Covid-19 prevention.
Thus, he believed political leaders should focus on promoting such knowledge, including the importance of getting tested for Covid-19 upon encountering symptoms.
He opined that asymptomatic people roaming around freely in the community are posing the biggest challenge in flattening the Covid-19 curve.
“I personally think whether to reconvene Parliament is not worth arguing. The focus should be everyone dutifully implement the pandemic prevention measure. Such an approach would be more constructive during this pandemic.
“As long as all politicians play their parts, instead of putting the people’s voice behind their personal interest, the issues of various constituencies can still be solved appropriately without reconvening Parliament.
“It does not mean that they can’t fulfill their responsibilities without reconvening Parliament.
“A Parliament member’s duty is not just within the Parliament. Just as I hold the position of Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to China, I might not carry out all the duties perfectly, but as long as I am dedicated to do my job as well as possible, I would have clear conscience,” he added. — DayakDaily
