KUCHING: Whether there is a proclamation of emergency or not, the present state elected representatives still have an important duty of serving the people, says Lo Khere Chiang.
The Batu Kitang assemblyman stressed that he would continue serving and doing the best for his constituents.
He noted that the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) led state government is still a legitimate authority following the extension of the emergency in the state.
“We have been working as a legitimate government since the emergency was proclaimed earlier this year. So why should it be any different when it has been extended for Sarawak?
“I believe the people of Sarawak know and understand that we still need the government to function be it in a pandemic or state of emergency,” he said on Monday (Aug 2).
On the recent claims by Sarawak Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) that the state government was playing a caretaker role and state lawmakers were no longer entitled to their salaries and allowances, Lo said there was no harm in letting the members continue with their duties.
“Despite the proclamation of emergency, we have been working like normal and allowed to carry out our roles as a legitimate government.
“As this is the case, all state elected representatives are entitled to collect their salaries and allowances.
“I believe that we should not be too concerned about this because Sarawak is in good hands and being taken care of properly. Compared to what’s happening in Peninsular Malaysia, we are in a better position politically.”
Meanwhile, Kemena assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom also assured that all state elected representatives would ensure their services would continue as usual until the state election.
“Thus, all elected state representatives are still entitled to their salaries and allowances.”
The Sarawak Utilities Minister also said that the current state government’s status had not changed and it was not a caretaker government as alleged by PKR Sarawak.
