Chong: No comment until end of mourning period

KUCHING: The state DAP will withhold any congratulatory notes or comments on the appointment of Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg as the new chief minister until the end of the 7-day mourning period for the passing of Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.

Its state chairman, Chong Chieng Jen, issued the statement in response to querries from media organisations which had asked him to comment on the appointment of Abang Johari as the new chief minister on Jan 13.

“To me, it is most inappropriate that the appointment of a new chief minister be made so soon after the passing of Adenan, especially given that the state government has just announced a 7-day mourning period.

“Why can’t the state BN wait out the 7-day period before plunging into the joy that comes with the new appointment,” he said through a press statement yesterday.

“Afterall, there is no danger of BN losing its power during the period. Why the rush? One day the state was in mourning and the next it was in congratulatory mood. Wouldn’t the latter diminish the notion of mourning?” he added.

Chong said all governments had a system and mechanism to operate for seven days without a chief minister.

“Sarawak has three deputy chief ministers. Couldn’t the three of them take up the job for the time being - for seven days? There is absolutely no reason to have the appointment and swearing-in to be made so soon.

“For the time being, I will not say anymore about Abang Johari’s appointment. I will not forward my words of congratulations yet.There are plenty of time for that after the seven-day mourning period.

“Let us, during this time, sit back, cherish the memory of Adenan and reflect on the things that he has done during the past three years, and think of those that he has yet to do which we must do, for the betterment of Sarawak,” he said.