DAP: Keep Bill Kayong’s memory and fighting spirit alive
Sarawak DAP leader Chong Chieng Jen says the party stands by land rights advocacy groups in demanding justice for fallen Miri PKR branch secretary who was shot dead.
KUCHING: Sarawakians must not only remember activist Bill Kayong as a person who fought to defend native customary land, but also cherish his spirit in the fight against the rich and powerful to protect and defend native customary rights, said Sarawak DAP leader Chong Chieng Jen.
Chong said that DAP fully supported the Sarawak Dayak Association (Pedas) in its demand that justice be served against Bill Kayong’s murderers.
Bill was branch secretary of Miri PKR, and an activist for native land rights. He was shot dead in his car while at the traffic lights near the E-Mart in Jalan Miri-Bintulu on June 21.
One man, Mohamad Fitri Pauzi, 29, has been charged with his murder, while another man, Lie Chang Loon, 37, was charged with abetting Mohamad Fitri.
Police are also seeking a suspect, Lee Chee Kiang, who police believe fled to Australia two days after the murder. Lee, 45, is attached to a plantation company.
Chong and DAP members including Stampin MP Julian Tan, joined a gathering calling for “Justice for Bill Kayong” at Dataran Pahlawan, Kuching, that was attended by about 50 people. A similar gathering yesterday in Miri drew about 100 people.
Chong said the Bill Kayong murder was a blatant challenge to the rule of law.
He alleged that the mastermind was still at large, describing him as a very rich businessman with a ‘Datuk’ title. Chong cast doubt if the mastermind would face justice in a system where “Cash is King.”
He said Bill Kayong would not have died if there had been no rampant alienation of NCR land to cronies of Barisan Nasional politicians. He urged the state government to review its land policies, failing which more Bill Kayong tragedies may occur.
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