Bandar Kuching MP lodges police report after being name-dropped to cover costs for event

Dr Kelvin Yii

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 14: Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii has lodged a police report on a suspected cheating and dishonesty case after an individual name-dropped him to cover the cost of a singing competition recently held at a local hotel here.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Dr Yii elaborated that an individual contacted his secretary sometime last year and requested funds from his office to organise a singing competition in one of the hotels in Kuching.

He said his secretary then explained the procedures for the application of grants; they can only allocate funds to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) registered within the Bandar Kuching constituency and were unable to allocate to any business or money-making entity.

“After multiple explanations, the individual then still invited me to attend the event to ‘show support’ even though I did not allocate any funds.

“I was unable to attend it due to work commitments and only sent a representative to go.

“Long story short, after the event, he did not pay the hotel for the cost of the event, and when demanded, he used my name and claimed that I had promised and committed to pay for the event,” Dr Yii explained.

Following this, Dr Yii has given his statement and furnished all evidence to the police, including screenshots of all WhatsApp conversations and documents to prove that no payment was promised on his behalf.

When it comes to handling public funds, Yii said he is very particular and will follow all necessary procedures not only because he is audited but, more importantly, because he is handling public funds that have been entrusted to him.

“So I am very ‘pantang’ when it comes to usage of public funds and will expect the utmost form of accountability and transparency from myself and the office.

“I want to thank the police department and also the assigned investigative officer (IO) who worked hard on this case.

“I was informed this is not the first time this happened with this particular individual. Hope all investigation can be carried out smoothly and justice be served,” he added. — DayakDaily