Today I represented the DAP to attend the opening of PKR National Congress. After the opening of the congress, the women of DAP, Amanah and PKR came together to have press conference together. Below is our joint statement:
It is very disheartening to see that the government would rather concentrate on a trivial issue of a photograph rather than addressing actual issues that are plaguing the country at the moment. Certainly, this takes away much needed attention to pressing issues of the day.
The 1MDB scandal has yet to be resolved, the RM2.6 billion “donation” scandal is also unresolved, the controversy surrounding Kevin Morais’ murder, our nose-diving economy and the scourge of TPPA are still plaguing the country.
The fact that the government concentrates their attention on the photo of Nurul Izzah with Jacel Kiram, and creates much hullaballoo over it, shows the authorities’ desperation to demonise an opposition leader, in an attempt to destroy her reputation. It is also to weaken the opposition in Malaysia by using a dirty tactic.
We wish to make our points as follows:
Firstly, Nurul Izzah did not upload the photos that were said to have offended Sabahans. It was uploaded by Jacel Kiram herself on her social media page.
Secondly, Nurul Izzah has sincerely apologised for the said unplanned meeting which was hosted by the office of the Vice President of the Philippines.
Thirdly, there was no malicious intent in the meeting. It was a chance meeting and Nurul Izzah has reiterated her loyalty to Malaysia.
Fourthly, if Nurul has evil intent, she would have not taken any pictures which can be used as evidence. How can a secret meeting be attended by so many people and is made known to the world?
Fifthly, Nurul Izzah is not a traitor. She has a sworn an oath as a Member of Parliament. She is also one of the MPs who fight for the rights of Sabahans, especially on improving education, eradicating poverty, handling the Lahad Datu incursion and also the recent earthquake problems.
Sixthly, there is no precedent for a Member of Parliament to be referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee for an action that occurred outside of the Parliament. YB Datuk Azalina Othman has abused her position as the Cabinet Minister.
Notwithstanding the decision by the state assembly of Sabah to ban Nurul Izzah and Tian Chua from entering the state – it is a move that is within its boundary of powers; it deflects and distracts the state from attending to its utmost urgent need to address the actual security concerns of Sabah from the likes of terrorists who continue to threaten the safety of ordinary citizens in Sabah.
We call for immediate end to this bullying, targeted against a credible people’s representative and legislator, and for this government to focus on real issues, including putting serious efforts towards nation building.
* Women Leaders, Women MPs & ADUNs of Pakatan Harapan