Miri MP’s appointment in MoTAC seen as strengthening Sarawak, not political symbolism, says state AMK man

MIRI (Dec 27): The appointment of Miri MP Chiew Choon Man as the deputy minister of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MoTAC) reflects the mandate entrusted to him by the constituents.

In highlighting this, Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) Sarawak secretary Christopher Jemat Amie also said the appointment was also based on Chiew’s consistent performance and his proven ability to represent Sarawak’s interest at the national policy-making level.

Christopher said this in a statement on Saturday, issued in response to a remark made by Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii on Dec 22.

Christopher felt strongly that the claim about the designations of Chiew and Mordi Bimol – now the federal Deputy Youth and Sports Minister – being a part of a political agenda, appeared to ‘question and belittle these appointments’.

“Such a statement is not only shallow, but also reflects a failure to understand how the interest of Malaysia and Sarawak, particularly Miri, should be effectively championed at the national level.

“The reality is that Sarawak does not lose when Sarawakians are part of the federal power structure.

“What is truly detrimental is when Sarawak chooses to remain silent and merely watch from the sidelines.

“Chiew’s appointment is neither symbolic nor a political bait. It is a recognition of the mandate given by the people of Miri, his consistent track record and his capability to continuously voice Sarawak’s interests at the national policy-making level.

“To deny this fact only reveals narrow political prejudice,” he said in the statement.

Christopher felt that even more worrying, such remarks seemed to suggest that Sarawak’s elected representatives should not be part of the federal leadership.

“This approach is not only defensive, but also contradicts the very spirit of the federation itself.

“This appointment undoubtedly strengthens Sarawak’s position, not only in negotiations related to MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963), but also in development allocations and policies that have direct impact on the people.”

Christopher emphasised that Sarawak needed strong voices at both the state and federal levels, and Chiew had proven his effectiveness as a working MP.