BBC members upset with Yong's allegations

BBC members upset with Yong's allegations
by Kong See Hoh

BARISAN Nasional MPs who are now on an agricultural study tour in Taiwan are not happy with Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee's claim that they were given RM50,000 pocket money each.
They said Yong's allegation, which he made in an interview with a Sabah English daily on Wednesday, was baseless and gave the perception that the BN MPs could be bought for a mere RM50,000.

The former Sabah chief minister claimed that apart from the pocket money, participants were also provided with free tickets and lodging.

Calling on Yong to stop the accusations, they said it has given the electorates the wrong impression that they went to Taiwan for self-interest when the aim of the trip was to learn the advanced agro-technology.

"Does he think we are so cheap, and worth just RM50,000?" some of them were quoted as saying in a report in Nanyang Siang Pau today.

"As the people's representatives, we have our pride and will definitely not pawn the rakyat's interest for personal gains."

Tenggara MP Datuk Halimah Mohamed Sadique denied the claim that the MPs were bought, saying Yong has not only insulted the MPs but also the intelligence of the voters.

"I hope Yong Teck Lee will think twice before he shoots off his mouth," she said.

Gelang Patah MP Tan Ah Eng also said she will not compromise her pride for personal interest.

"I am here to learn agro technology and hope to use it to benefit the people. I hope Yong Teck Lee will not make baseless accusations again."

Simpang Renggam MP Liang Teck Meng said he had no knowledge of any MP being "bought".

Kuala Nerus MP Datuk Mohd Nasir Ibrahim, Langkawi MP Datuk Paduka Abu Bakar Taib and Kuala Krai MP Prof Datuk Dr Che Nusa also denied having received any pocket money.

Parliamentary Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who was among those in the study tour, rubbished the claim that MPs were given pocket money.

He wanted Yong to substantiate his claim and challenged him to name the MP who tipped him off.

He said the study tour is sponsored by some Malaysians who believe in the importance of agriculture to the country.