Chong Chieng Jen – File photo
KUCHING: Dr Ting Tiong Choon will continue serving constituents in Pujut despite his disqualification as its assemblyman yesterday, Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen said.
Chong said Dr Ting has proven himself as a “very hardworking and dedicated” elected representative since he was elected in 2016.
“As Dr Ting has been elected by the Pujut voters for this term, notwithstanding the fact that he is now disqualified, he shall continue to serve the Pujut constituents till the end of the term.
“His service centre shall continue to operate as DAP’s service centre and he shall continue to serve till end of the term (of the DUN),” said Chong in a statement yesterday.
The Federal Court in a 7-2 majority decision ruled that the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has the power to disqualify Dr Ting as a member of the august House, for having dual citizenship despite him renouncing it before contesting in the 2016 state election.
Chong said while the party was disappointed by the apex court decision, the consoling fact was that the nine-member bench delivered three written judgments, of which two – by the Chief Justice of Malaysia and the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak – were in favour of Dr Ting.
“However, the remaining one written judgment was written by one judge and agreed upon by the other six judges. It is sad and disappointing that in such an important case, six Federal Court judges chose not to write their separate opinion but decided to tag along with the judgment of one of their colleagues.”
Chong said the decision by the Federal Court also means the DUN can literally do whatever it wants in the Assembly, and that this “unfettered and unlimited power” destroys the fundamental doctrine of separation of power.
He further said the DUN has taken away the rightfully elected representative of the people of Pujut, thereby depriving the constituents their voice in the state legislative assembly.
“Dr Ting’s case was one where the DUN has abused its power through a Ministerial Motion by disqualifying an elected representative with its brute majority.
“Though the majority judgment of the Federal Court has decided not to interfere with the decision of the State Assembly, that does not give justification to the State Assembly’s resolution to disqualify Dr Ting,” he said.