MIRI: Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala yesterday lambasted a recent demonstration involving a group of people with regard to alleged misappropriation of money by the current Long Terawan chieftain.
The demonstration held at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office here was led by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Baram secretary Dennis Along who claimed to be the chairman of Long Terawan Action Committee and was reported by TV1.
Datuk Gerawat Gala
“The demonstration was to draw attention to alleged misappropriation of money by the current village head with report previously filed by the demonstrators with the MACC and relevant authorities.
He said Dennis and the group had questioned why no action was taken by the authorities against the village head concerned.
“The demonstration was obviously staged for RTM1 for maximum publicity to embarrass the ketua kaum (village head) and the relevant authorities. I am aware of the complaint made against the ketua kaum concerned and that police and MACC investigations into the complaints and allegations are ongoing.
“We respect the independence and integrity of the police and MACC and should allow them to conduct their investigations without interference, interruption or in any manner attempt to influence the outcome of their investigations,” Gerawat said through a phone interview yesterday.
According to Gerawat, what Dennis and his group did by holding the demonstration at the MACC office in Miri was unacceptable and most disrespectful of the MACC and the relevant government authorities.
“Their conduct showed that they have little or no confidence in the ability of the MACC and the police to do their job and conduct a fair and objective investigation into their complaint.
“They are trying to put pressure and influence the outcome of the investigations. Their conduct is not only an embarrassment to the Long Terawan community but an affront to the integrity and dignity of the MACC and the police. These are the institutions of law and order in our country whose independence and integrity should be respected by everyone including the government.
“This practice of holding public demonstration over any issue is alien to the Orang Ulu culture where we respect authority and resolve differences through dialogues and discussion. Public demonstration will not resolve the issue and may in fact be counterproductive,” he stressed.
Gerawat said the legitimacy of the Long Terawan Action Committee of which Dennis claimed to be the chairman is questionable.
“Is that committee appointed by any recognised authority? Is it a registered entity or organisation under any existing law? Who gave the mandate for such committee to be formed. Who gave them the mandate to represent the people of Long Terawan? On what basis does the committee claimed to be representative of the people of Long Terawan?
“To me the committee is dubious and masquerading as the representative of the people of Long Terawan community. I have serious doubt as to whether the committee has the support of the majority of the peace-loving community of Long Terawan,” he added.
Thus, Gerawat appealed to the Long Terawan community to stay calm and let the Marudi District Office and Miri Resident’s Office handle the issues relating to the village head of Long Terawan after the police and MACC have completed their investigations.
“We have faith in the police and MACC to conduct a thorough investigation into the complaints and allegations. Do not jump the gun.
“The relevant authorities cannot act merely based on allegations without proof. Have faith in the ability of the relevant authorities to resolve the matter. There is no need to hold public demonstration,” he said.