KUALA LUMPUR – Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing today apologised for his statement in the Dewan Rakyat four days ago when he said that Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah is afraid of dying.
Tiong, who is also the Progressive Democratic Party president, said he tendered his apology to ensure the smooth running of the Dewan Rakyat and in the interest of the country’s harmony, after receiving public condemnation and brickbats.
“I apologise if I had overstepped during my Budget 2021 debate.
“It never crossed my mind to deny the noble practices of doctors, nurses, frontliners, including the health director-general.
“I only wanted to debate the issue of Covid-19, which is of great concern to the people, so it can be addressed more effectively. I don’t want the Dewan Rakyat’s proceedings to be hampered because of me,” he said in a statement today.
During his debate last Wednesday, Tiong caused a stir in the Dewan after he accused Noor Hisham of “takut mati” (being afraid of dying), citing the latter’s refusal to go to ground to help fellow frontliners combat Covid-19.
He had also said that Noor Hisham appeared more concerned about being in the news via his daily press conference, adding that this was merely the sentiments of frontliners he spoke to.
The ensuing chaos saw DAP’s Jelutong MP RSN Rayer being ejected from the House after he insisted that Tiong retract his statement and ignored Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said’s request for him to take his seat.
In an immediate response that evening, Noor Hisham dismissed Tiong’s claim, saying he and all in the medical fraternity were not afraid of dying, and that their sole target remained stemming the spread of the virus.
“We can have our differences, but what is important is to break the chain of infection so we can save the country from an increase of cases and the death rates,” he had said.
Despite Noor Hisham’s explanation, Tiong maintained that there was nothing malicious in his statement.
“What I had pointed out is the personal accountability and responsibility of the director-general during this difficult period.
“I care nothing about the inevitable and expected the backlash a public figure like myself would receive if it means keeping you accountable to bring down these cases,” he said two days ago.
Yesterday, Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee defended Tiong’s action, saying the latter had raised some valid points and that his statement should be taken in a positive light.
“At times, the statements of the top brass do not tally with the harsh reality on the ground. As frontliners are not allowed to speak up, they hope that politicians such as their elected representatives can speak up for them,” he said. – The Vibes, November 15, 2020
