BINTULU: Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has had enough of this nonsense – a posting in social media of images of him with ‘unsavoury figures’ claiming he was having a ‘close relationship’ with them.
The incumbent Bintulu MP condemned the persons who posted these images online with false information, warning that he would not hesitate to report them to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Tiong said he was open to having tea and taking photos with anyone, but would never defend any party that violated the law.
“Some have used these pictures to make allegations and distort facts. And I have publicly called out such figures before to take responsibility and own up to their deeds.
“They should turn their lives around and contribute positively to society, instead of resorting to violence, brute force, or other illicit deeds,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 12).
He said these characters went overboard and violated social media etiquette by smearing people’s reputations, distorting facts and making up stories out of pictures easily found online.
“I will remind everyone that fake or real accounts that make defamatory allegations, spread fake news and malicious rumours will be reported to the MCMC to check their identities through their IP addresses and be investigated under Section 505 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act.
“We know who such people are so please refrain from naively resorting to social media for their immature actions,” he said.
On the same note, in response to an alleged gang fight that took place last Saturday night in Bintulu, the Dudong state assemblyman said those involved in the incident and who violated the law should not be spared from legal repercussions.
He unequivocally stated that anyone who was found to violate the law must be subject to legal enforcement without exception.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Sarawak Commissioner of Police for the prompt action on the case.
“He immediately issued orders to track down, investigate and arrest the persons allegedly involved in the case.
“We should applaud the Bintulu police for their efficient and quick action,” he added.
The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president pointed out that the people must not tolerate anyone or party that tried to disrupt public order and turn Bintulu into the wild west, no matter their background or supposed clout or gang affiliation.
“They must be prosecuted to the furthest extent of the law. They can drink for fun but not make trouble from being inebriated.”
He asserted that it was “sad and disappointing” to know that some practising lawyers advised these troublemakers on “how to exist on the fringes of the law and avoid legal repercussions”.
“But whatever the reason that caused the disturbance on Saturday night, gang problems or drunken fest, their antics put Bintulu on the map for the wrong reasons.
“The police must not be lenient with such figures and crack down on their actions without fear or favour,” he said.
On Oct 9, Bintulu police received a report of a fight at an entertainment outlet at Jalan Abang Galau in Bintulu at about 12.30am.
There was also a 12 seconds video clip posted on social media showed a four-wheel-drive being driven at high speed in reverse and subsequently ramming into another vehicle.
Some 17 suspects were nabbed to assist in the investigation into the riot and mischief incident.
