Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang said such claims were purely based on insinuation and guilt by association instead of actual proof, Borneo Post reported him as saying at a press conference at the state assembly building.

Lo said politicians often interact with members of the public, event organisers and businessmen, which do not amount to any wrongdoing.

“The argument put forward by the Padungan assemblyman (Chong Chieng Jen) is deeply flawed because it is built entirely on insinuation and guilt by association rather than by evidence.

“Simply appearing at public events, sponsorship functions, or community programmes together with political leaders does not prove criminal involvement, political collusion, or institutional wrongdoing.

“If that logic were accepted, then virtually every political party in Malaysia could be accused based on photographs or the attendance of thousands of members of the public, businessmen, donors, or community figures at various events over the years,” he was quoted as saying.

Lo, a SUPP deputy secretary-general, was responding to Chong who had voiced concerns over the appearance of certain “individuals” at events involving SUPP after they were arrested by police for alleged gang activities.

The Sarawak DAP chief had questioned if the presence of these individuals at events attended by political leaders would create a negative perception.

Lo maintained that the individuals nabbed have yet to be convicted, and that the matter should be left to the authorities and the courts.

“Instead of discussing solutions, policies, or constructive proposals for Sarawak, (Chong) is attempting to create suspicion and political damage through names, appearances at events, and selective insinuations broadcast on live television.

“That style of politics may generate headlines, but it does not elevate the standards of the state assembly,” he added.