My Longkang

The public has been urged to stop finger pointing at others and work out solutions to the crime situation in the state of Sarawak.

However I must point out one thing. All along for the past few decades, the people of Sarawak have been by and by mainly peace-loving folk, minding their own business as the days go by. There have been no protests in the streets when unpopular decisions are made that are against the interests of the people. Sarawakians are made of sterner stuff. They keep it in their consciences and release it on polling day.

I feel that the various quarters should appreciate this feed-back from the public. This is an irreversible trend. The people of Sarawak as have people in all places have learned the meaning of ‘forming their own opinions’ and the various parties should appreciate the feedback for what it is :the public’s intuitive reaction to any crisis that befalls them .

Thus if any party feels slighted, they shouldn’t. Stop defensive postures and instead let us all examine ourselves: from the humble rakyat to the civil servants to the politicians in their lofty ivory towers. What is our role in this and how can we make it better?

The police have all along urged for some feedback. Now, they have got it. It is a useful intelligence gathering source, is it not? I am sure some will be exaggerations or mere hearsay but there will be gems amongst the chaff.

Do not attempt to stifle this healthy ‘expression of opinions’ by dictating what is permissible and what is not.

Streets are safe at night Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh who resides in Sibu reiterated that the streets of Sibu are safe. I couldn’t agree with him more. On the surface, everything does seem calm in the town. Agreed, there are problems but they are not so big they cannot be solved.

With the visit of IGP after the initial uproar raised by Datuk Seri Tiong Kong Sing’s speech in parliment, perhaps things will be even better in the years to come? Anyway, I thank any politician who highlights issues that causes action to be taken. He is paying for his supper and reinforces the voters’ faith and trust in him.

The press?