Lu counts himself out of race for Temenggong post

KUCHING: With Lu Kim Yong’s appointment as Temenggong expired on Aug 9, rumours have been rife that four prominent Chinese leaders have been shortlisted for the post.

On top of the list is Lu himself. The others are Datuk Sim Swee Yong, Pemanca Ko Wai Neng and Wong Tiong Hook.

When contacted, however, Lu dismissed the possibility that he was even on the list.

“It is very unlikely that I am among the shortlisted four. If there is an extension of my service, I would have received the re- appointment letter before the expiry date. And since I did not, that means I am not one of those shortlisted,” Lu told The Borneo Post yesterday.

To him, there was no “if” as he was quite certain that a new face will helm the Temenggong post.

“There are many capable, willing and experienced Chinese leaders in Kuching whose good reputation precedes them. There are so many who can be the potential candidates.

“Four years of serving the Chinese community as a Temenggong is more than sufficient for me. I have served, I have learnt and I have experienced it. It is timely to give way to other good candidates for the good of the Chinese community,” said Lu.

Accepting the end of his term gracefully, Lu said the term for any community leader, including Temenggong, is four years, and any extension depends on the authorities or the ministry concerned.

“For the four years as Temenggong, I have never failed once to submit the quarterly report to the relevant authorities. I believe I had given my best to the Chinese community,” said Lu.

For another shortlisted candidate, 84-year- old Sim, the possibility of him to be the next Temenggong is close to nil.

“I am too old for it. If I am offered the post, I would turn it down. I would prefer someone younger to take up the responsibility,” said Sim.

As speculated, Ko and Wong might have a higher chance to be Lu’s successor.

Between the two, it has been speculated that Ko might have a better chance. This is because as a Temenggong, one is expected to have a lot of interaction with the Resident as well as the district office and other government offices and bodies.

Ko, who is the president of Kuching Cantonese Association and the vice-president of Federation of Sarawak Chinese Associations, is said to be having an edge over Wong for his good command of English which is crucial for the job. Wong is president of Kuching Foochow Association as well as chairman of Board of Management of Chung Hua Primary Schools No. 1 to No. 6.