KUCHING: Serembu assemblyman Datuk Miro Simuh has taken Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong to task for questioning the Premier’s use of executive aircraft instead of AirBorneo.
He described Yong’s Facebook post as “absurd” and said it reflected “muddled and fanciful thinking”, accusing the Democratic Action Party (DAP) leader of politicising an issue merely to attack the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government.
Yong had asked if the Premier is willing to fly by commercial airline for his official trips instead of using the Airbus ACJ 319.
Responding to the post, Miro, who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) assistant secretary-general, questioned the practicality of expecting top national and state leaders to rely solely on commercial flights.
“The ideas are becoming increasingly absurd and seem to reflect muddled, fanciful thinking. Why not also suggest that the Prime Minister travel on a commercial flight?” he said.
He cited the example of a 10am meeting in Kota Kinabalu, asking whether it would be logical to expect the Prime Minister to board a 6am commercial flight just to fulfil such a suggestion.
“It is clear they have run out of ideas and accusations to attack the GPS government, to the point that even an issue like this is being politicised,” he added.
Miro also accused Yong of showing disrespect towards the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, arguing that a state leader with a packed official schedule and security responsibilities could not realistically depend on commercial air services for official duties.
He claimed Yong’s remarks were intended to attract public attention and alleged that DAP Sarawak had become increasingly detached from local political realities and the aspirations of Sarawakians.
Miro also criticised DAP’s continued emphasis on its role as a “check and balance”, saying such a role must be accompanied by meaningful contributions rather than rhetoric.
“They are trying to sell the phrase ‘check and balance’ to attract support. But if it is only for the purpose of claiming that role while earning salaries and merely talking, even ordinary people on the street can do the same,” he said.
He maintained that the GPS government had governed fairly by safeguarding the interests of all communities, including Dayaks, Malays and Chinese.
Miro also questioned DAP’s response to the recent fuel supply issues, claiming the party had remained largely silent despite previously championing public concerns while in the opposition.
He said Sarawakians could judge for themselves the difference between DAP’s current conduct and its earlier stance.
