CAMPAIGN BILLBOARD DEFACED: Tan replacing the BN billboard with a new copy of the original artwork.
KUCHING: In yet another act of vandalism, a Barisan Nasional (BN) billboard erected in the front compound of KMC flats in Ban Hock Road here, next to the opposition’s red billboard, had the faces of the candidates splashed with black paint.
Reacting to the incident, BN-SUPP Bandar Kuching candidate Tan Kai condemned such immature and barbaric act, describing it as “political gangsterism”.
Met at the site yesterday just after replacing the billboard with a new copy of the original artwork, he asked “Is this the sort of culture, unhealthy and barbaric, that our political opponents or their supporters want to promote or encourage to our polite society?”
“We are disappointed by the measures resorted to by our political opponents. This sort of bad behaviour cannot be encouraged on our people, in particular children,” he said.
Tan said someone told him two nights ago of the incident, which saw the faces of Stampin incumbent Datuk Yong Khoon Seng and himself on the billboard splattered with black paint.
He said although vandalism of signage was nothing new, people should respect all publicity materials such as billboards and posters which were part of the campaign process.
Besides the childish act of vandalism, Tan also alleged Democratic Action Party (DAP) for letting loose a culture of gangsterism, hatred, notoriety and vulgarity during this campaigning period.
“Such gangster politics will without a doubt cast negative influence on the minds of our future generations,” he added.
Tan pointed out that DAP leaders had allowed their speakers to speak impudently, cursing and swearing while insulting and making fun of opponents in ‘ceramahs’ even when there were young children present.
“Using such tactics to attract the attention of the audience where young children may be present is absolutely inappropriate because it would only pollute the minds of innocent children,” he said.
Tan asked if parents would allow their children to pick up such despicable manners.
“And as a well established political party that is ruling the state government of Penang, does DAP really need this kind of cheapskate propaganda to fish for votes?” he further questioned.
“Sarawak is a peaceful and tranquil place. Therefore we do not want such negative culture to seep into our land and influence our people and children,” he pressed.
Tan reminded that as politicians who can influence the course of our nation’s future, leaders should be role models to inspire good and positive moral values.
For a fair fight, he said all those involved in this upcoming general election should have sportsmanlike conduct with tolerance and respect for each other.