Tiong (centre) flanked by other GPS delegates at the convention. – Photo by Roystein Emmor

KUCHING (April 19): Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Dato Sri Tiong King Sing has emphasised the spirit of cooperation within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) as he acknowledged grassroots concerns over the selection of community leaders and village chiefs (KMKK) in PDP areas.

Speaking at the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Sunday, Tiong said the matter had been brought to his attention by grassroots members.

“There has been some feedback from the ground. Yang Amat Berhormat, I have raised concerns from the grassroots who appealed for this matter to be highlighted at the convention, in the hope that the government will look into it seriously and help resolve the issue.

“This matter may seem small, but to the people, it is important. As PDP president, I would like to raise my views on the KMKK appointment issue. I see that there are some undesirable developments in the selection of KMKK in PDP areas. There are some moves behind the door, by which a minority can overturn a majority decision.

“This does not happen in PBB, PRS or SUPP areas, but only in PDP areas. We are the ones who are always being sidelined,” he said.

He stressed that his remarks were not intended to create conflict within the coalition, but to protect the spirit of cooperation within GPS.

“We believe in the relevant systems and governance. However, what I am saying today is not meant to be confrontational. We want to protect the foundation of our cooperation. It is important to tell the truth, even if it is sometimes difficult to accept.

“Moving forward, it is important that processes agreed upon collectively are carried out consistently, so that the confidence of all parties remains intact, especially among the coalition parties,” he said.

He emphasised that the issue was not about any single party, but about strengthening the system built together.

“This is not about any one party. It is about strengthening the system that we have built together, where every party in this coalition operates based on this spirit.

“As leaders in GPS, we all share the same responsibility to ensure this coalition remains strong, credible and trusted. And trust is not automatic. It must be earned and re-earned, again and again. It is not a destination, but a long journey,” he said.

On grassroots concerns, Tiong also highlighted ongoing issues involving basic infrastructure, including water supply, drainage and flood management, calling for both short-term and long-term solutions.

He said that despite existing planning, delivery on the ground must be improved to meet urgent needs.

“There is a lot of planning, but people on the ground are looking for immediate solutions. We must have both short-term and long-term planning,” he said.

He stressed that clean water supply remains a fundamental necessity.

“Water is the most important basic need for every human being,” he said.

Tiong also called for greater consistency in public service delivery, stressing that the rakyat judge outcomes rather than announcements.

“At the end of the day, the people do not only look at announcements, but they look at results,” he said.

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