KUCHING: Public appearances and photographs should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing.
Batu Kitang assemblyman, Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, said the argument put forward by Padungan assemblyman, Chong Chieng Jen, was deeply flawed as it was built on insinuation and guilt by association rather than evidence.
“Simply appearing at public events, dinners, sponsorship functions or community programmes with political leaders did not prove criminal involvement, political collusion or institutional wrongdoing,” he said during a press conference held in the media room at the State Legislative Building (DUN) today.
He noted that political parties and elected representatives interacted with thousands of members of the public, businesspersons, sponsors, non-governmental organisations and organisers every year.
“Attendance at an event is not evidence of criminal conspiracy or institutional involvement,” he said.
He said if such logic were accepted, virtually every political party in Malaysia could be accused based on photographs or event attendance with members of the public, businesspersons, donors or community figures over the years.
He added that Chong had claimed that the public might ‘perceive’ a bad message, but stressed that the House should not legislate or condemn based on rumours, perceptions or political speculation.
“We must rely on facts, due process and the rule of law,” he said.
Lo said if there were serious and credible concerns already known to the authorities, law enforcement agencies should investigate and act based on evidence and due process.
He said such matters should not be handled through political insinuation in the House.
He also stressed that an arrest was not a conviction.
“Investigations are for the authorities and the courts to determine, not for politicians to exploit in order to create political narratives against Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) or Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS),” he said.
He warned that treating allegations, rumours or public perception as proof of guilt would create a dangerous precedent.
He said anyone could then be politically attacked through association without any court finding.
“No one here is above the law. If any individual has committed wrongdoing, let the authorities investigate professionally and let the courts decide fairly. But politicians should not behave as prosecutor, judge and jury simply to score political points,” he said.
He said it was disappointing that politics was again being shaped by insinuation, personal attacks and public smearing instead of substantive debate and responsible policymaking.
Instead of discussing solutions, policies or constructive proposals for Sarawak, he said the Padungan assemblyman had relied on association politics by attempting to create suspicion and political damage through names, appearances at events and selective insinuations broadcast on live television.
“That style of politics may generate headlines, but it does not elevate the standards of this august House,” he said.
Lo said Sarawakians were watching carefully and could see the difference between a government focused on building infrastructure, strengthening the economy and advancing Sarawak’s long-term interests, and an opposition that repeatedly resorted to sensationalism, personal attacks and political theatre.
“Such politics divide rather than unite. It encouraged suspicion instead of understanding, hostility instead of cooperation, and political hatred instead of constructive engagement,” he said.
Sarawak, he added, had always been strongest when its people remained united across communities, backgrounds and political differences.
He said Sarawak deserved better than politics built on hostility and character assassination.
“Our people expect maturity, fairness, unity and leadership grounded in facts and due process, not trial by association on live television,” he said.
He added that he had no enemies and regarded everyone as a friend.
“No one is wrong until proven guilty by the courts. I thank all those who have come forward to help me in my political work and services rendered to our people,” he said.
