Liu (left) shakes hand with Wong after the press conference.
KUCHING: Pemanca Liu Thian Leong is relinquishing his ‘pemanca’ post to go full time in politics and to serve the people of Batu Kawah.
He told a press conference yesterday that his resignation took effect yesterday; however, he would only be handing in his resignation letter to Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh either today or tomorrow.
Liu’s appointment as a pemanca is for four years. Thus far, he had served only for about two years.
“It is better I relinquish the (pemanca) post since I will be very occupied with a lot of political activities,” said Liu, also United People’s Party (UPP) Batu Kawah branch chairman.
Wong, who was also at the press conference, is UPP president.
Liu related that he had been receiving a lot of flak from political foes, who criticised him for being very active politically even though he was a community leader.
“But I told them I’m serving the people as a community leader under BN. I think this is in line with the government’s policy to bring effective service to the people.
“However, I have come to a point that I want to go one step further in pursuit of my political career, and I think it is only fair I relinquish this post and commit myself fully to my political aspirations. We (UPP) will work hard to make sure we win back the people’s support for BN.”
Liu said he believed he could still serve the people well in his capacity as UPP Batu Kawah branch chairman considering that everybody knew UPP and recognised the party’s efforts and contributions.
“The people of Batu Kawah want to have a change. This is what we came to know since the setting up of our branch office in Batu Kawah at the beginning of the year.”
Meanwhile, Wong described Liu as someone who is very dedicated, committed and passionate about helping people. “Of course, there is a government requirement that for temenggong, pemanca and penghulu, it is best for them not to be too active and yet hold very high positions in political parties. As for Temenggong Lu Kim Yong, he does not have any position in UPP. He is just an advisor.
“For Pemanca Liu, the time has come for him to choose what he wants to do and I think he has made the correct decision to relinquish the post and devote fully in political activities to serve the people whole heartedly.”
Wong said he believed Liu was the most suitable candidate; perhaps, the most winnable candidate to help BN wrestle back Batu Kawah from the DAP in the coming state election.
“Pemanca (Liu) is working so hard in devoting himself fully to serving Batu Kawah people and I believe he is one of the best among our UPP leaders. When the time comes, we hope he will be recognised by BN leaders, particularly by the chief minister, as the most winnable candidate for Batu Kawah.”
When asked who would replace Liu as the ‘pemanca’, Wong responded, “We leave it to the chief minister. The post will not be filled (at the moment).”