KUCHING: Accountability must be pursued through the rule of law, due process and independent institutions rather than political pressure or trial by opinion, says Kota Sentosa state assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Sau Sin.
He said his position has been consistent in advocating for due process and that the respect for the law is a moral obligation in any democratic society.
“Respect for the law is not a moral weakness; it is a moral obligation in any democratic society. No political party has the authority to appoint itself as judge, jury, and executioner,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
Yap also commented that the analogy used by Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak Stampin Branch comparing this matter to an individual knowingly retaining stolen money is misleading.
“A political party is a legal entity governed by statutory and judicial processes. Decisions involving such entities must be grounded in law, not populist comparisons.
“Defending due process does not mean defending wrongdoing. It means defending the integrity of institutions and ensuring that justice is carried out properly, independently and lawfully.
“If DAP Sarawak Stampin Branch is genuinely concerned about governance, morality, integrity and accountability, it should direct its energy inward and explain its own record,” he said.
He added that when Pakatan Harapan (PH) formed the federal government in 2018 and again in 2022, it proposed several reform, including the separation of the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor roles, institutional independence for the MACC, political financing laws, asset declarations, Freedom of Information legislation, recognition of UEC, and stronger constitutional checks and balances.
“Moral lectures cannot substitute for legislative delivery. Selective outrage cannot replace institutional reform.
“If a political party wishes to speak about morality, integrity and accountability, it should begin by accounting for one’s own promises and performance in government.
“I will continue to stand firmly for the rule of law, due process, principled governance and not politics driven by rhetoric, but governance anchored in institutions,” he added.
