KUCHING: Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has urged Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen to prioritise his constituents instead of wading into the controversy over a beer brand named “Santubong.”
Nancy, who is also Santubong MP, said her stand on the matter was to safeguard the sensitivities of her Muslim-majority constituency.
She chided Chong for what she described as political opportunism, suggesting his actions were driven more by personal relevance than genuine concern for the people of Santubong.
“Apparently, YB Chong just wants to make himself relevant to Sarawakians by picking up any issue he thinks would be in his best interest to champion as Sarawakian politics.
“Obviously, YB Chong failed in his role as a politician who should protect the interests of the majority of his constituents,” she said in her Facebook posting.
She noted the company had already removed the product from shelves after acknowledging local concerns, questioning why Chong continued to press the issue.
“YB Chong has a lot more to do for his own constituency rather than interfering in matters already decided by the company,” she added.
Nancy explained that the issue was raised by locals who felt the use of the name “Santubong” for the product was inappropriate given the religious demographics of the area.
She expressed gratitude to Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap for his support on the matter.
Nancy also thanked Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap for backing her stance, stressing it was only natural for her to protect the sanctity of her constituents.
“YB Wilfred has rightly pointed out that the argument relating to the brand name ‘Santubong’ is just not appropriate for the Santubong Parliamentary constituency based on the population of the people there who are mainly Muslims.”
“That was the reason why the issue was raised by the constituents,” she said.
Chong, who is also Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman, earlier dismissed the controversy, saying the use of “Santubong” should be seen as promoting local identity rather than an insult.
