S'WAK POLLS A BN direct candidate has given a different twist to the 1MDB scandal - he put the blame squarely on the opposition.
Dudong candidate Tiong Thai King said fiascos such as the 1MDB came about because the opposition had shirked its duty in monitoring the government.
The opposition had neglected its duty, he said in an interview with China Press today.
The opposition has become irrelevant as it was unable to play up its role effectively, Tiong added.
"They (the opposition) have failed to monitor the government and prevent all these things from happening.
"If they have failed in their job, why should we continue to vote for them?" he asked.
As such, Tiong urged the voters to support the Sarawak BN so that it would have a bigger mandate to build the state.
Tiong was formerly with United People's Party (UPP) but quit the party to stand as BN direct candidate this time.
He was defeated by DAP candidate Yap Hoi Liong by 317 votes in the 2011 state polls, and is facing Yap for the second time in a five-cornered fight.
He was the MP for Lanang from 1996 to 2013, and is also the brother of Ribunan Hijau Group founder and billionaire Tiong Hiew King.
Tiong defends his remark
Later at a press conference in Dudong, Sibu, Tiong defended his remark.
However, he insisted using the term "controversy", when the reporter asked him to comment on the 1MDB "scandal”.
He also admitted he is not familiar with the 1MDB case.
Grilled by media, the tycoon often paused, and his assistant, who sat beside, was seen frequently delivering notes to coach him on how to react.
He reiterated that the opposition failed to monitor the government and should examine its role.
“Why can't they (the opposition) advise the government (after) the controversy had begun?" he asked.
Tiong was then asked if the BN government should take responsibility as these controversies happened during its rule.
He said MPs from both side of the political divide should be responsible, but stressed all government plans are meant to help the people.
"Every government plan is for the people, for the country, for Sarawakians. Every one of them is good; the problem is there are discrepancies when executing them," he said.
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