Directive from S’wak govt unconstitutional, can be challenged in court – Chong
KUCHING: The directive to prohibit Ketua Kaum (village chiefs) and Ketua Masyarakat (community leaders) from attending programmes not organised by the Sarawak government is unconstitutional and can be challenged in court.
In stating this, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Chong Chieng Jen said the directive becomes unconstitutional as it hinders a person’s freedom of association and freedom of movement.
“If there is any Ketua Kaum or Ketua Masyarakat who is willing to come forward and take action against the state government, we ( DAP) will seek a judicial review on the matter and provide the legal service free of charge,” said Chong, who is also DAP Sarawak chairman, in a press conference yesterday.
He added that although Ketua Kaum and Ketua Masyarakat are receiving some allowances from the government, this does not mean that they are government servants who can be “directed and ordered in such a disrespectful manner”.
Chong, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak chairman, later called for the Sarawak government to respect the village and community leaders as their appointment is to be the bridge between the government and the people.
When asked if there had been any response from the Sarawak government on the directive, Chong said only a few SUPP leaders had come forward with some rather absurd justifications.
“SUPP leaders have claimed that just because the federal agencies did not invite state leaders to attend or speak at their functions, therefore the directive is an act of retaliation,” said Chong, who is also Stampin MP and Kota Sentosa assemblyman.
According to him, it is the prerogative and discretion of the organisers to invite guests or speakers, and as far as the federal agencies are concerned, the invited federal officers or ministers are qualified to speak on behalf of the federal government.
“GPS is not a part of the federal government. Why should they ( GPS members) be invited to speak on behalf of the federal government? It is only logical thinking,” he added.
The Sarawak government, he added, had on a few occasions extended invitations to PH members to attend state events but they were never invited to speak.
This, said Chong, is the decision of the organisers which they have respectfully accepted.
On another note, Chong pointed out that two of his ministry’s programmes in Bintulu were opposed by a Penghulu and a Tuai Rumah following orders from the Bintulu Resident’s Office.
“Both programmes which are to instil consumer awareness were then only held at one of the longhouses, where officers from the Ministry of Health also gave a talk on rabies,” said Chong, adding that Malaysia is a democratic country where events and functions should not be stopped.
He also pointed to a recent case where DAP supporters were prevented from attending a programme that eventually saw some 300 participants.
“When the state government acts irrationally, such orders will not be complied by a majority of the people. That is where tyranny will ultimately fall,” said Chong.