Hii (centre) shaking hands with Ling (second right) after the press conference. Also seen are Kwong Yu (second left), Hiung (left) and Yong.
MIRI: Senator Alan Ling Sie Kiong wants social media users to be more responsible when using the internet and social media to ensure that they will not cause damage to people’s image and reputation.
Ling made this call following an incident whereby he was verbally attacked by a man when delivering his speech at a function last Saturday, followed by a wrongful accusation through a Facebook post at the same evening.
At the function, a man had shouted at Ling who was on the stage, demanding the latter to talk about health and not politics. Thereafter, a Facebook post by the man’s wife accusing Ling of damaging the man’s phone after an argument.
“During the verbal attack, I remained calm and did not do anything but continued my speech as well as the rest of the programme. Thereafter, I was surprised by the Facebook post that I believe an attempt to tarnish my reputation.
“Merely one hour after the post was posted on Facebook page, the user had removed it which reflects the accuser’s guilt and embarrassment.
“Such action is unacceptable as not only it was very disrespectful of the organiser, the person also failed to show respect to everyone who attended the event. I will retain my right to seek justice against those who responsible for defamation,” said Ling during a press conference today.
Ling who is the secretary of DAP Sarawak, also urged netizens to refrain from spreading wrongful messages against each other via the social media, as the damage could be very hurtful and causing negative impact to the victim.
“I have personally experienced it and honestly, it is very hurtful. Therefore, I do not hope that anyone else should undergo such stressful situation, and that every user can be kind and responsible when using the social media.
The press conference which was hosted by the Federation of the Miri Division Chinese Associations chairman Datuk Hii Teck Yun, was also attended by the federation’s legal advisor Ling Kwong Yu, and vice chairmen of Miri Hunyuan Hexiang Zhuang Qigong Association, Hiung Tee Ming and Yong Yee Yeam.
“The representatives of the organiser – Miri Hunyuan Hexiang Zhuang Qigong Association and I regretted the incident and would like to express our apology to Senator Alan Ling who was invited to the event as the guest of honour.
“We want to emphasise that the man who launched the verbal attack, is not related to the organiser neither is he the member of the association. We do hope that the person responsible could come out to apologise for his action,” said Hii.
The federation’s legal advisor Ling Kwong Yu, on the other hand, mentioned that he had witnessed the verbal attack as he was seated in front along with the invited guests.
“I only saw the man shouted at Ling and went away. Senator Ling did not do anything but continued with his speech. Even after that, Alan Ling did not approach the man. I was appalled by the accusation made on Facebook,” said the lawyer.