KOTA KINABALU – A former federal minister wants Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to be penalised if indeed he had obstructed an immigration officer from carrying out his duties.
Former federal agriculture and food industries minister Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee said Tiong should be probed over his recent entry into a restricted zone at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
“The tourism, arts, and culture minister was reported by the media to have entered Terminal 1 of KLIA and intruded the Immigration Department counter to disrupt the actions of immigration officers detaining a foreign tourist,” he claimed
“Although we understand that the minister has a special pass to enter Terminal 1 of KLIA, his actions – which are said to have disrupted the immigration officers from carrying out their duties and responsibilities in detaining the foreign tourist – are an offence under Section 186 of the Penal Code, which is obstructing a public servant from discharging his duties.”
“The actions of the minister also violate Section 56(1)(g) of the Immigration Act, which is obstructing, either actively or passively, any immigration officer who is performing his duties,” he said in a statement here today.
Kiandee, who is Bersatu vice-president, alleged that the minister had hindered an immigration officer from performing his duties and therefore the federal government must take action against the matter.
“I would like to emphasise that under any circumstances, public servants must be allowed to carry out their lawful duties without interference and pressure from anyone, especially when it involves matters of security and national sovereignty.
“Incidents like this would not occur if we respect the duties of public servants,” said Kiandee.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is expected to call on Tiong who alleged graft among immigration officers at the KLIA, after he had admitted to having gone into the area to assist a Chinese national who had been detained despite having valid documents.
The commission also plans to meet with the person from China involved in the incident. – The Vibes, July 3, 2023
