KUCHING: PKR Women national vice-chief Voon Shiak Ni has chided state DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen for making a mountain out of a molehill regarding her communication with Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang on illegal gambling.
She could not fathom why Chong had to go to the press over Lo’s statement on illegal gambling which was addressed to Chong and DAP.
“It’s very immature of Chong to make an issue out of this just because the one who communicated with Mr Lo on the issue was me.
“All these years, people who know me will know that I’m the person who will reason on things based on the issue at hand and not my political affiliation.
“If authorities do well and if BN leaders do good, we thank them too,” Voon said.
Chong had told reporters at a press conference yesterday that he was shocked to learn of Voon’s involvement in the press statement issued by Lo.
Voon admitted that she went through Lo’s statement before it was issued to the press three days ago as the latter wanted to confirm the facts, especially on the salaries of members of the State Legislative Assembly and Members of Parliament.
According to her, Lo had also asked her to read through the statement to make sure it was not too harsh.
“Honestly, I think I had no reason to stop him from issuing the said statement as I thought Mr Lo had his points.”
Voon called on Chong to respond to the questions raised by Lo, adding she believed the issue of illegal gambling should be above politics and political affiliation.
“So what is the fuss about me liaising with Mr Lo from MPP? I liaised with officers from all relevant government departments all these years when I received people’s complaints. This also included Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah herself on some issues and I did not resort to the press to solve problems unless necessary. Therefore, what is the fuss that Chong is making here?”
Furthermore, Voon said, Lo’s statement was not about supporting illegal gambling but was asking state DAP to give information and to do more when it came to sensitive issues about how to curb illegal activities.
“I also believe curbing illegal activities needs effective participation and cooperation from all parties and the public too. Blaming on one council is not reasonable and it’s not lending support and help at all. There is no blaming game in my dictionary.”
She reiterated Lo’s question that if it was indeed true that police officers had made complaints to Batu Kawah assemblywoman Christina Chew and Chong about the illegal cyber gambling, they should make earnest efforts to lodge formal police reports and then help the authorities revoke their entertainment licence.
“Evidence of the illegal act is important and the call by Mr Lo to work together quietly is positive.”
On PKR’s stand on illegal gambling, Voon said Chong had asked her an irrelevant question, and there was no need for her to answer.
“This is for the people to judge if, I, Voon Shiak Ni, all these years am deemed or known to support illegal gambling and illegal activities. But I forgive Chong for asking the question as a comrade.”
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