SEVERAL members of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) have expressed their disappointment towards the refusal by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen to support the motion of appreciation to the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, the former Sarawak Governor.
Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said in Chinese culture, one must respect the elderly, especially those who have contributed to the people.
“In our culture, if you do not like a person, keep it to yourself. It is rather unbecoming of him (Chong) to openly address in this august House that he does not support the motion of appreciation to the late TYT,” he said.
Wong pointed out that Chong should try to do some soul searching on whether his behaviour in public is acceptable to any decent human being.
“Bear in mind that in our culture, we ought to pay high respects for a leader who was all for Sarawak in almost all his life until he passed away,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dalat assemblywoman Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah described Chong’s words and action as uncalled for as it was disrespectful to those who have passed.
“I was shocked by the words and actions of Chong because it is totally contradictory to our values, and it is disrespectful towards those who have passed away. It is better for him to keep quiet rather than saying something that can hurt the feelings of surviving members of the late Taib,” she said.
At the same time, Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep also expressed sadness and disappointment on Chong’s statement.
“Leaders are human beings too. As human beings, we have weaknesses, and we are not perfect. I see the statement made by Chong is unpleased to hear and I am saddened by his remarks,” he said.
Earlier, Chong who is the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman, said Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong and himself will not participate in the debate by stating that they will not support the motion.
“It is not my character or of me to speak of ill of the dead. The late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud may have contributed to the development of Sarawak, but there was also a cloud of suspicious over his administration when he was the chief minister,” he alleged.
