KUCHING – Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong has called on Dr Sim Kui Hian, president of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), to provide a clear explanation regarding the attendance of party member Amy Tnay at an international mayors’ conference in China.
The issue centres on Tnay’s participation in the World Mayors Dialogue held in Huangshan, China on May 30, where she was reportedly introduced under the designation “Board Director, Kuching Water Board”.
Yong raised questions over the legitimacy of this title, noting that the Kuching Water Board had been dissolved following a restructuring exercise last year. She said clarity is needed to address public concerns and to establish the factual basis of Tnay’s representation at the international event.
In her statement, Yong questioned how the designation was still being used if the board no longer exists in its previous form. She also asked whether the title of “board director” was ever officially held by Tnay or if it had been inaccurately applied in connection with the event.
According to Yong, there is a clear distinction between a board member and a board director, both in terms of authority and responsibility. She stressed that confusion between the two roles should not be taken lightly, especially when it involves international representation.
She further questioned why neither the Mayor of Kuching South nor the Mayor of Kuching North attended the World Mayors Dialogue, despite the nature of the event being focused on city leadership. Instead, she noted that Kuching was represented by an individual whose official role has now become a matter of public discussion.
Yong also called on SUPP and Dr Sim to clarify several key points, including who authorised Tnay’s participation, what official capacity she attended under, and whether organisers of the conference were given accurate information regarding her position.
She emphasised that the matter goes beyond a simple title issue, stating that it involves public accountability and the credibility of Sarawak’s representation on the international stage.
Yong urged that if any inaccuracies occurred, they should be acknowledged and corrected without delay. At the same time, she said any legitimate explanation should be made public to maintain transparency and public trust.
She also reminded that Sarawak’s reputation must be protected from any perception of misrepresentation or political image-building that could overshadow official governance structures.
Dr Sim and SUPP, she added, should respond clearly and directly to the questions raised, as public scrutiny requires full transparency rather than avoidance.
Yong concluded that only through openness and accountability can confidence in public institutions be maintained and Sarawak’s standing in international engagements be safeguarded.
