Dr Ting (standing, second right) with Ling (standing, second left) meet the old folk at the senior citizens’ corner in Taman Jade Manis, Miri.
MIRI: Reinstated Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon remains undaunted by the challenges hurled at him, thanking his constituents for standing by him through thick and thin.
In this regard, he assures them that he will work even harder for them.
Dr Ting said this during his first walkabout at a senior citizens’ corner in Taman Jade Manis here on Sunday – a day after the High Court overturned his disqualification by the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), following a 70-10 vote in favour of a ministerial motion against him during the sitting on May 12 this year.
Accompanied by Democratic Action Party (DAP) state secretary Alan Ling Sie Kiong
and other party comrades here, Dr Ting thanked his constituents for their support, prayers and solidarity during the recent trying time.
Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh moved the motion to disqualify Dr Ting from DUN on grounds of acquiring citizenship of another country and also being a bankrupt, which violated the state constitution.
Dr Ting fought back by filing an originating summons in court, and Judge Datuk Douglas Christo Primus Sikayun held
that the plaintiff was not disqualified and was entitled to remain as an assemblyman.
The judge ruled that the DUN had no power to deal with an election result, was not a competent body to decide constitutional issues, and the DUN Speaker did not afford Dr Ting adequate time and opportunity to defend himself.
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg had subsequently said that the DUN would file an appeal.
Undeterred and putting the past behind him, Dr Ting said:
“I vow to work even harder and will not be dampened by these non-stop attempts to destroy my political career and struggles.”
The assemblyman said he would focus on his role as an opposition representative and serve his constituents to the best of his ability.