SUPP calls on cabinet ministers who deliberately falsify qualification to resign

KUCHING: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) strongly disapproves of politicians’ attempts to elevate their status by using fake academic qualifications.

Its Youth chief Michael Tiang in a statement yesterday urged cabinet members who are involved in such acts to resign from their portfolio.

He said the party views such act as serious bankruptcy of integrity.

Tiang however commented that the party is not concerned whether a leader is a university graduate or not.

“A certificate from university or college is not the only criterion for assessing whether a leader can really serve the people, as long as he or she shows the ability to serve by bringing progress and development to the community and nation, then we can all accept and regard that person as a good leader.

“If they (such politicians) deliberately and knowingly involve in falsifying their academic qualifications in order to gain acknowledgement or to seek higher positions in public offices, then it’s an act of deceiving the government and the people, which would definitely affect the image of the government,” he added.

In view of the fake-degree scandal involving several of Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal or state cabinet members, Tiang said SUPP is appealing to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to immediately verify the integrity of all existing cabinet members.

“Those who are found to have cheated or previously claimed themselves as professional in certain fields but actually not, should leave their position to avoid Malaysia’s integrity being tarnished at the international level,” said Tiang.