In Time Of Adversity Rival Politicians Sarawakians At Large Stand United With Their Brave Hearted Hero

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SARAWAKIANS have rallied in solidarity against the “extreme humiliation” inflicted on Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing which include the call to sack and demanding his apology to Muslims over the “free flow wine” brouhaha during the recent Global Travel Meet gala dinner.
The entire episode about no alcohol policy at government events have transcended to “drinking is a way of life” in Sarawak to the need to fence off undesirable peninsular religious extremism from the Bornean state which is renowned for its inclusivity and multi-culturalism.
Firing the first salvo is Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian who put political rivalry aside to back the six-term Bintulu MP by reportedly drawing a comparison between the Land of Hornbill and Peninsular Malaysia.

“Here (in Sarawak), we don’t face any restriction when it comes to drinking unlike in Peninsular Malaysia. Here, we just drink when we want to – it’s no big deal. That’s just our way of life,” gestured the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president in a moral support for his Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart.

Even Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman has ticked off the gross politicisation on the serving of alcohol at government events – particularly by rightist PAS and UMNO – by warning that the controversy risks harming Malaysia’s tourism industry.
“We must clearly distinguish tourism activities, official ceremonies and private gatherings to avoid unnecessary disputes. The focus of tourism should be on attracting visitors – not creating divisions over minor details like this,” he cautioned in a subtle aye for Tiong despite their political differences.


The Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister even when a step further to suggest that while organisers of official events should respect protocol by refraining from serving alcohol, they can alternatively set up separate counters outside their venues for guests who wish to drink before or after the event.
Back at his own party, senior vice-president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh (since April 2024) stressed that PDP must resolutely say no to those who continuously spread divisive and narrow-minded thinking.
“We absolutely must not compromise or abandon our principles and dignity for political convenience,” the 83-year-old seven-term Bawang Assan state assemblyman was quoted as saying by See Hua Daily (East Malaysia’s largest Chinese language daily).

“We must continue to firmly defend our rights, our identity and our values! We have a responsibility to speak out fearlessly when facing challenges! Especially when our positions are questioned, we must step forward!”
Reacting to the stern reprimand by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Tiong, PDP insisted that Tiong has always carried out his duties with sincerity, integrity and dedication to the nation’s interest.
“His immediate acceptance of PMX’s advice and his pledge to ensure full compliance with all standard operating procedures (SOPs) demonstrate humility, accountability and loyalty to the spirit of Cabinet unity,” the smallest party in the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) alliance pointed out in a statement.

“Tiong’s strong leadership has revitalised Malaysia’s tourism industry, expanded international cooperation and strengthened our nation’s image on the global stage.

“His commitment to hands-on, action-oriented governance has consistently brought results that benefit our nation and its people.”
Even at grassroots level, the past deeds of the 64-year Tiong who is often portrayed as a drunkard by detractors seem to be remembered and cherished by both his constituents and fellow statesmen.
His biggest contribution which reverberated across social media is the rarity of a MP who would brave flood waters the way he did when Bintulu was devastated by its worst flood ever on Jan 30 this year.
“Half of Bintulu town was flooded to the extent that water reached to the roof of double storey houses – then we saw Datuk Tiong King Sing turun padang (literally “go down to the ground”) to serve his Bintulu constituency,” recounted Amazing Sarawak in a Facebook post.

“He could have chosen to stay in his house and ask his helpers to do the job but he didn’t; he chose to risk his overly size body to help Bintulu people regardless of race – Malay, Dayak or Chinese.
“He knew that if he himself turun padang, he could take charge and better helped Bintulu folks …”
And there are more tributes for Tiong’s flood rescue  …


- focus malaysia

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