BINTULU: Bintulu Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, has warned that no one will be spared if they threaten public safety here, regardless of their background or affiliations.
The warning comes after an incident outside an entertainment centre here last Sunday, where a confrontation escalated into violence, resulting in one death and another person being injured.
“The case not only cost a young life but also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of public safety in Bintulu.
“Thus, in response to the incident, I have instructed that everyone involved be brought in for detailed questioning,” he said.
Tiong, who is also Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, said those identified as gang leaders must be blacklisted by the police.
“Before the law, everyone is equal. No one is above it, and no one has special privileges.
“Anyone who attempts to take the law into their own hands, uses violence to settle disputes, or ‘shows off their skills’, regardless of their background or whether they are backed by powerful forces from Peninsular Malaysia or elsewhere, will not be spared if they threaten public safety,” he said.
He reminded all young people not to assume that having powerful backing gives them the right to act above the law.
“No matter who you are, even if I know you personally, if you break the law, you will be held accountable and face the consequences,” he said.
Tiong added that while some individuals may have strayed in the past or been involved in gang-related activities, those who are sincerely committed to turning over a new leaf deserve the opportunity of a second chance.
“However, if you continue to be stubborn, resorting to violence and boasting about gang ties, I will not tolerate it.
“And if you feel targeted, ask yourself first: have you been acting appropriately?”
He also questioned legal practitioners, asking whether they were truly seeking justice or merely profiting from defending lawbreakers.
“If you choose to defend criminals today, how will your children live in a just society tomorrow?” he asked, warning that the issue is not just about law enforcement, but the future direction of the community.
He urged the people of Bintulu to stand united in rejecting criminal elements.
Eght suspects, all in their 40s, believed to have been involved in the incident have been remanded to assist investigations under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
