DOING THEIR BIT FOR ANIMALS: Abang Johari and SSPCA’s president Dona Wee giving the thumbs up to the ‘SSPCA WAG Music Festival’ bus.
KUCHING: Anyone can join Head of State Datuk Patinggi Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang’s birthday parade because it is not a political activity.
Minister of Tourism and Housing Datuk Amar Abang Johari said this when asked for his comment about the issue where Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) demands an immediate explanation from the authorities for allowing Barisan Nasional Club’s leaders and supporters to participate in the recent Head of State’s birthday parade held in Miri on Sep 8.
Mawan said SPDP viewed the inclusion as an insult to BN.
He also said that a police report was lodged on Sep 11 and on that day, SPDP sent a complaint letter to the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to report the unlawful participation of Barisan Nasional Club members.
He said Barisan Nasional Club was yet to be registered but already it moved about like a registered organisation, bearing a BN flag on that day.
In response, Abang Johari said, “This is not a big deal. TYT is not a political figure. There is no reason to stop anyone from joining the parade.”
He elaborated that a few Barisan Nasional Club members were also assistant ministers.
“They are government officers. It is nothing strange for them to attend such an event. Furthermore, two of the organising committee members are Barisan Nasional Club members,” he added.
Abang Johari said this yesterday after he officiated at the unveiling of buses ceremony to promote Sarawak Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA)’s fund raising dinner.
At the ceremony, he donated RM10,000 to SSPCA and promised to look for a new site for SSPCA shelter.