Mr. Leslie Ting Siong Ngiap, Chairman of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) Miri Division and Supreme Council Organising Secretary, strongly criticised Sarawak DAP Secretary Mr. Ling Sie Kien, Miri City Council, and SUPP Pujut Branch Publicity Secretary Mr. Chong Kong Min for their immature and childish political manoeuvring over the drainage issue near Miri Airport.

He said their finger-pointing and blame-shifting have turned a minor issue into a public embarrassment, making the tourism city of Miri an international laughingstock and shaming its residents.

He pointed out that before confirming whether the drainage issue near the airport falls under the jurisdiction of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (under the Ministry of Transport) or the Miri City Council, Mr. Ling acted irresponsibly by releasing emotionally charged statements and misleading information. His video blaming the city council was a political stunt that was both disappointing and disgraceful. At the same time, Mr. Ting questioned why Miri Mayor Adam Yii did not personally come forward at the outset to clarify the matter to the public and instead delegated the task to his subordinates, which is baffling.

Mr. Ting noted that while Ling Sie Kien consistently blamed the city council for the drainage issue, he never directly named or accused the SUPP Pujut Branch. Ironically and regrettably, Mr. Chong Kong Min took it upon himself to issue a public statement attacking Mr. Ling. Ting questioned whether Chong’s action—made in his capacity as SUPP Pujut Publicity Secretary—was a deliberate political ploy, made possible by the current appointed councillor system, to mislead the public, stir hatred, and earn cheap political mileage for SUPP. He described Chong's actions as hypocritical and self-defeating, saying they are nothing more than distasteful political theatre.

Ting reminded SUPP that in 2016, the party apologised to the Sarawak public for not opposing the 1976 amendment to the Federal Constitution that downgraded Sarawak to one of the 13 states. “If SUPP is sincere, it should focus its energy on reclaiming Sarawak’s sovereign rights—not fighting over drainage management and turning Miri into a joke.”

This political spectacle involving DAP, Miri City Council, and SUPP over the Miri Airport drainage issue clearly highlights the importance of restoring local government elections to end the monopoly of local power. Local elections should be non-partisan, allowing independent civic-minded candidates to stand for office, so that local governance prioritises municipal affairs and public interests over party agendas.

Sarawak, as provided in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), enjoys a high degree of autonomy. Its State Legislative Assembly has the authority to legislate without federal interference. Therefore, it is entirely within Sarawak’s power to restore local elections and grant the people a third vote—to elect their own mayors and city councillors.

Mr. Ting called on the Sarawak Government to reinstate local council elections, stating that this would prevent further political conflicts within city councils and promote grassroots democracy. Only through non-partisan local elections can municipal bodies be free from political manipulation, smear campaigns, and sensationalism. “If the Miri City Council truly stands by its claim of 'serving the people unwaveringly despite political noise,' then I challenge Mayor Adam Yii—who is also the elected representative for Pujut—to table a motion in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly to amend the 1996 Local Authorities Ordinance and restore local elections. Only then can we depoliticise local councils and implement a more transparent and democratic system.”

Additionally, under a democratic framework, since citizens are required to pay assessment taxes to local authorities, they should also have the right to elect those authorities.

“Now that Malaysia Airports has confirmed it will resolve the drainage issue, I urge DAP, the Miri City Council, and SUPP to stop politicising the matter. Let’s not plunge Miri into further chaos. Instead, let us focus on public service, address livelihood issues, and safeguard the welfare of our citizens.”

Leslie Ting Siong Ngiap
Chairman
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (Miri Division)

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