Kuching: The Sarawak Premier’s Office has been urged to explain the circumstances surrounding Amy Tnay’s participation in the recent Mayor Dialogue in Huangshan, China, amid growing questions over the capacity in which she attended the international forum.
Special Assistan to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Sim Kiat Leng said the issue has attracted public attention because the Mayor Dialogue is generally attended by mayors and municipal leaders who represent their respective cities in discussions on urban governance, economic development, sustainability, city management and international cooperation.
He said clarification is needed on whether Tnay’s attendance was officially endorsed by the Sarawak Premier’s Office and whether local authorities or mayoral representatives were consulted before she participated in the event.
According to Sim, the matter goes beyond protocol and touches on the question of official representation at international platforms.
“When delegates from other countries attend in their capacity as mayors or municipal leaders, it is reasonable for the public to ask who represented Sarawak and under what authority,” he said in a statement.
Sim noted that Sarawak already has established city administrations under the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), both of which have office bearers tasked with representing their respective jurisdictions.
Given this structure, he said it would ordinarily be expected that participation in a mayoral dialogue would come from the Mayor of MBKS, the Mayor of DBKU, or other duly authorised officials such as deputy mayors, directors or councillors.
He pointed out that Tnay is understood to be associated with the Water Board, making it necessary for the authorities to explain the basis on which she was selected or invited to attend the event and the role she was expected to perform.
Sim stressed that transparency would help address public concerns and prevent unnecessary speculation.
“If there were valid reasons for Amy Tnay’s participation, those reasons should be communicated openly so that the public can better understand the decision-making process.
“Sarawak has earned international recognition through the efforts of the state leadership and has worked consistently to strengthen its reputation abroad,” he said.
As such, he emphasise that the representation at international engagements should be carefully managed to ensure that the state’s interests, credibility and institutional integrity are properly maintained.
Sim also called on the relevant authorities to establish clearer guidelines governing appointments and representation at overseas forums.
“Such measures would enhance accountability, minimise future disputes over representation, and ensure that Sarawak continues to be represented appropriately at international events,” he said.
