DAP Sarawak pledges solidarity with Chong amid Court ruling

MIRI (Dec 23): Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak has reaffirmed its solidarity with its chairman Chong Chieng Jen following a recent High Court ruling ordering him to pay RM500,000 in damages and costs to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

In a statement, DAP Sarawak secretary Alan Ling said Chong’s actions were motivated by his commitment to serve the people of Sarawak and to uphold the principles of justice and fairness, stressing that Chong had acted in the public interest rather than for personal gain.

Ling reiterated that Chong, who serves as both a state assemblyman and a MP, has been known for his fearless advocacy of transparency and accountability in governance.

He said this was evident in the case brought by Dr Sim, which stemmed from concerns Chong raised in 2020 over the allocation of Covid-19 food aid funds.

“We believe justice shall prevail. We are confident that the truth will be heard and that our chairman’s dedication to serving the people of Sarawak will be vindicated.

“DAP is committed to fighting for justice, transparency, and the rights of Sarawakians and shall never succumb to any form of intimidation.

“We will not bow down to such pressure, we will continue to speak out without fear, as long as it concerns the welfare and interests of the people,” he said.

Ling also expressed heartfelt gratitude to supporters, friends and well-wishers for their unwavering prayers and support throughout the six-year defamation trial faced by Chong, and called on them to continue standing with the party during what he described as a critical moment.