MPP chairman refutes selective enforcement claims, urges neutrality at public markets

KUCHING (Feb 11): Political parties are discouraged from pasting political materials on Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) buildings, as these public facilities do not belong to any political organisation, said MPP chairman Tan Kai.

Refuting allegations of selective enforcement at a market under the council’s jurisdiction, Tan stressed that council-owned buildings, including public markets, are neutral community spaces meant for residents to purchase daily necessities, although politicians are not restricted from visiting.

“These shared public facilities are not intended for the display of any political materials, whether from the ruling party or the opposition,” he said in a statement today.

His remarks came in response to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak assistant publicity secretary Michael Kong, who on Tuesday alleged selective enforcement by MPP for removing DAP-related stickers at Mile 7 Market.

Kong, who is also special assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, also claimed that illegal moneylenders’ advertisements continue to be plastered within the market area

According to Tan, enforcement actions carried out by the council involved removing stickers bearing political party logos as well as advertisements from illegal moneylenders.

As such, he said Kong’s claims were misleading, adding that such enforcement formed part of routine operations.

He also urged Kong not to politicise the matter during the festive season.

“Public markets managed by the council are places that reflect unity, where halal, non-halal, and jungle produce stalls operate side by side, and hawkers from diverse backgrounds trade under one roof, which is a true symbol of community harmony,” he said.

With the Chinese New Year celebrations just around the corner, followed by the upcoming Ramadan season, Tan acknowledged it is a positive gesture when any party, including private companies, distributes calendars or festive greeting materials.

He added that he and resident councillors had also been distributing official materials printed by the council to celebrate with hawkers and neighbouring business owners.

“However, hawkers are discouraged from displaying materials bearing political logos or symbols on council premises, in order to maintain the neutrality of these shared public spaces,” he said.