Kota Kinabalu: Api-Api Assemblyman Loi Kok Liang (pic) expressed support for the views of Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah President TC Goh who said the Government should not practise “selective treatment” in allocations, cultural affairs, education and support for associations based on the political choices made by the Chinese community during elections.
He said certain political figures have recently been trying to create the impression that the Chinese community now “regrets” supporting Parti Warisan in the last state election.
“Such narratives are not only disrespectful to the Chinese community, but also underestimate the wisdom and judgment of Sabahans.
“The Chinese community did not make the wrong choice. The people made their decision after careful observation and consideration, hoping to see a Sabah that is fairer, more transparent and represented by leaders who dare to speak up and provide checks and balances,” he said in a statement, Monday.
Loi stressed that in a democratic system, every citizen has the right to support any political party, and the essence of democracy is to respect the people’s choice.
“If people begin to worry that allocations may be reduced, cultural activities affected, or Chinese schools and associations sidelined simply because they did not support a particular political party, then allocations will no longer be seen as public resources, but as political tools,” he said.
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He added that elected representatives, whether from the Government or opposition, are all chosen by the rakyat through the ballot box, and all share the same responsibility of serving the people and bringing the people’s voices to the Government.
He pointed out that in the State Assembly, both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers had publicly stated that the Government and opposition should cooperate and work together regardless of political differences, for the benefit of the people.
“We share and uphold the same principle. Therefore, I hope the Government will not merely say the right things, but truly demonstrate them through action,” he stressed.
Loi emphasised that if the Government is sincere about unity and cooperation, then allocations and development assistance for the Chinese community, its schools, cultural organisations, temples, associations and opposition constituencies should not be reduced, but instead strengthened and enhanced.
“Chinese schools, clan associations, temples, cultural groups, and various civil organisations have contributed to society for decades through education, charity, cultural preservation, and community development. Their contributions should never be ignored because of political differences,” he explained.
He said what the people truly want to see is a mature government with the political wisdom and openness to treat all citizens fairly.
“A true democracy is not one where only supporters of the ruling party deserve attention. Regardless of who the people voted for, the Government must serve everyone fairly because the government serves the people, not votes,” he said.
Loi also called on all parties to stop pushing the narrative that the Chinese community regrets supporting Warisan, adding that Warisan would continue to firmly defend the rights and interests of the Chinese community, youths, SMEs and ordinary Sabahans.
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