KUCHING: Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep has denied that he forced secretaries of the village security and development committees (JKKK) in Tasik Biru and Opar to vote for GPS in the coming state election.
He clarified that what he actually told the secretaries£during the presentation of appointment letters at Bau Civic Centre last Saturday (Oct 10)－was for them to work hand-in-hand with GPS for the benefit of the people.
“I did not ask them to vote for GPS. Instead, I appealed to them, while serving as JKKK secretaries, they should be able to work together with GPS, to ensure smooth implementation of all planned projects and activities in areas under their charge.
“The good working relationship would augur well for the people,” he said, clarifying a statement by Sarawak Bersih chairperson Ann Teo.
Teo said that the call for JKKK secretaries to vote for GPS or quit their posts smacked of the politics of patronage and reinforced a subservient mentality expected of the members of the JKKK to the ruling party or parties.
“Of course, I did tell them to vacate their posts if they cannot work together with GPS but I never said that they should vote for GPS… after all every vote is confidential and sacred.”
Henry said JKKK secretaries were there to cooperate with the community leaders to carry out all the government initiatives and programmes for the benefit of the people.
“We need to work together as a team. We cannot have people who are not having the same objective to spearhead development programmes in their respective villages.
“It would be difficult if the JKKKs are not on the same page with the village chiefs and the government of the day.
“Now N1 (Opar) is under the opposition…our duty today is we must support the government of the day – GPS government.
“There is no other choice. You have to be with the government of the day, with the GPS government. If not, just step down and give others the chance,” he told the newly appointed officials.
He said supporting GPS was to ensure that development plans would be implemented particularly for the development of the villages.
