Kuching: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is facing fresh criticism over alleged political bias and selective enforcement of regulations, as questions mount regarding its handling of community-based events organised by different political parties.
Michael Kong Feng Nian, Special Assistant to Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak Chairman Chong Chieng Jen, has publicly called out MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng for what he described as “blatant double standards” in applying council rules.
Earlier this year, MBKS rejected an initiative by Datuk Lily Yong to distribute food to the underprivileged at Song Kheng Hai Hawker Centre, citing local regulations prohibiting political activities in public places outside of election periods. Mayor Wee further emphasised this stance during a recent Facebook Live session, warning that the use of political flags and public campaigning must comply strictly with existing laws.
However, critics have pointed out what they say are clear contradictions. “If the law is to be respected so stringently, why does MBKS remain silent when SUPP and its affiliates organise activities at public venues such as Kenyalang Market and Stutong Community Market?” asked Michael Kong.
According to Michael Kong, the apparent lack of enforcement against the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), of which Wee is a senior leader, reflects a worrying trend of partisan favoritism within the local government.
“When the DAP or Datuk Lily Yong tries to serve the community, they are blocked. When SUPP does the same, MBKS looks the other way. This is not just unfair. It is a fundamental breach of public trust,” he said.
Michael Kong urged the council and its leadership to uphold the rule of law impartially, warning that selective enforcement erodes democratic principles and damages the credibility of public institutions.
“We remind Wee Hong Seng that SUPP is not above the law. As a party whose president also serves as Deputy Premier and a State Cabinet Minister, they should be held to an even higher standard, not a lower one,” he said.
He concluded by calling on MBKS to stop using legal technicalities as a political shield, stating, “If the law is to be enforced, then let it be enforced without fear or favour.”
