KUCHING: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said what is important is that people get to choose representatives they know and trust.
Tiong who is Bintulu MP said this in reference to reactions to his statements at the Engkilili Harvest Festival celebration, pointing out that these should not be blown out of proportion.
“My intention and words were based on fundamental changes in the modern political landscape, where traditional notions of electoral seats have become outdated. Between winning and losing, being accepted by local voters, is the decisive factor.
“Therefore, the political notion of ‘traditional seats’ no longer serves as a standard. It’s crucial for the people to choose the individual representatives they know and trust,” he said in press statement on Sunday.
Earlier, Tiong said despite continuous media queries regarding the so-called legacy seat controversy, he believed there is no necessity to respond or counter the remarks made by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Vice President Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“This might be a case of media misinterpretation, leading to unnecessary controversy, which is much regretted,” he added.
Tiong said his party had relinquished claims to so-called traditional seats in the past in the understanding that decisions are made for the greater good.
“As politicians, we should grasp the importance of grassroots opinion and focus on economic growth and local development.
“These should not be contentious issues. The priority now is to promote economic growth and local development, meeting the expectations of the people regarding their elected representatives and the government,” he said.
Tiong said for instance, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, of which he is Minister, is actively seeking rural attractions to develop the local tourism scene and spread the economic benefits to rural areas.
“Improving people’s lives and livelihoods will stimulate local economic development, which will truly benefit the people,” he said.
In this context he said political distractions only hinder societal progress.
“With national and Sarawak elections concluded, we should refrain from unnecessary debates on these issues.
“Therefore, I sincerely hope that political leaders and the media would avoid unnecessary sensationalism for attention-grabbing purposes, as it not only hampers national development and investment attraction but also disrupts economic progress and wastes public resources,” said Tiong.
