KUCHING: The so-called controversial statement made by Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik that the three Bidayuh MPs give way to young blood must be seen from the right context, said chief political secretary to the chief minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He pointed out that when the statement was made, Ik Pahon did it in his capacity as the president of Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) and not as a senior civil servant.
“Surely DBNA members should be proud to have a president who is outspoken and not condemn him (force him) to seal his lips just because he is a civil servant.
If that is what the (DBNA) members want, then amend the DBNA constitution to forbid civil servants to hold office in DBNA because by him holding office and barring him (Ik Pahon) from commenting on Bidayuh affairs will not help the community,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Ik Pahon, who is the permanent secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, recently caused a stir when he said it was high time that the three Bidayuh MPs give way to young persons.
Abdul Karim said he regarded the comment as being made sincerely in his (Ik Pahon’s) capacity as DBNA president.
“Nobody should be emotional about it.
“Furthermore, it is not Ik Pahon who determines who the BN candidate should be but the Barisan Nasional leadership after doing a due survey on the winnability of the incumbents and other prospective candidates,” he said.
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