SIBU: Dudong’s former Opposition assemblyman Datuk Tiong Thai King is singing a different tune now, calling on constituents to vote for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) for “a better tomorrow”.
He said he believed that voting for GPS, which he described as a moderate, inclusive and diverse but unified and harmonious government, would be crucial so that the state could see rapid progress and development.
Tiong’s stance came as a surprise, especially the way he conveyed his views by placing advertorials in local dailies.
Furthermore, he is seen as a long-time compatriot of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh.
Saying that he had retired from politics after 30 years of involvement, Tiong noted that Sarawak’s future was in the hands of its people.“We must reject the transfer of racist ideology and religious extremism from Peninsular Malaysia to the state,” he said.
He praised caretaker Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as a “good leader who is kind, big-hearted and will treat Sarawakians of all races and walks of life fairly and equally”.
Under Abang Johari’s leadership, the state was seeing the return of Sarawak’s rights, respect and status, Tiong said, adding that this could be seen in the successful reclamation of RM7bil in state sales tax on petroleum products.
Tiong also rued the direction of his political career which ended with him being an Opposition assemblyman unable to fulfil his development goals for the constituency.“I had many development plans and visions that were halted for lack of funds. I had to help my voters by digging into my own pocket, but the amount was still limited.
“Hence, I harbour a great sense of guilt that has been a big regret for me in my political career,” he added.He said he had no other option but to leave politics “just like a little bird that has left its erstwhile nest”.
Tiong was formerly with Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) before defecting to United People’s Party, a Barisan Nasional-friendly party at the time.
UPP was later rebranded to become PSB, which became an Opposition party in 2019.