Kuala Lumpur – MIC Vice President Dato’ Sivarraajh Chandran has defended his party President, Tan Sri S.A.Vigneswaran in the ongoing controversy of breaching security rules at the KL International Airport.
In a press statement, Sivarrajh, who is also member of Parliament for Cameron Highlands criticised Transport Minister Anthony Loke and urged him not to seek cheap publicity on the issue.
The following is the full text press statement by Sivarrajh Chandran:
“Anthony Loke, the Transportation Minister took a cheap shot to demonise Dewan Negara President, YB Tan Sri S. Vigneswaran by accusing him of knowingly flouting security protocols and breaching the dress code rule at KLIA VIP Lounge by wearing slippers while sending of his daughter.
First, I don’t really see the purpose of it. What is Anthony Loke trying to prove? A senior Minister taking a cheap shot on a VIP wearing slipper for what else rather than cheap publicity just simply because the person accused is a Opposition Party leader, I would say.
As a customer, he has the freedom to wear what he wants. Isn’t that what most Pakatan Harapan leaders especially of those from DAP used to preach prior to the General Elections. If a person has to be scrutinised by the Government for wearing what comforts him / her, I believe the people should really start questioning on what sort of Totalitarian Government are we living with today.
Second, I watched the video of which Anthony Loke used as basis to support his accusation on Tan Sri S. Vigneswaran. The video clearly showed that no one, not even a single security personal stopped him for not having a security pass. If one doesn’t comply with the rules and regulations, it should be the responsibility of those security personal to stop him. My question now, why no one stopped him if he didn’t comply with the rules and regulations? Don’t tell me they were not aware of their responsibility as those in charge of Airport Safety there until a Minister has to come up with a statement to prove it?
Third, the accused himself admitted that he made a report on the ill treatment he received at the VIP Lounge the next day itself. Why that is yet to be publicised and looked into by the Minister?
That clearly indicates this is just one side of the story. The Minister alongside the Officer in Charge publicised that it was wrong of YB Tan Sri S. Vigneswaran for wearing slippers but did they highlight it was because he had injuries on his toes? No. Did the Minister publicised that YB Tan Sri S. Vigneswaran tried reaching him out to explain what really happened? No. Is this the character of a Minister from a Government that preaches the values of being just, fair and transparent in everything? No.
I believe whatever Anthony Loke is doing now is nothing more than a cheap shot to get cheap publicity. He has been one of under performing Minister up to day and considering the statement from the Prime Minister on regards of a possible cabinet reshuffle, I think he tried to make into the headlines in order to keep him relevant by doing this cheap political stunt.
The country has bigger problems to be solved. If he or any Pakatan Harapan leaders want to remain relavant, their focus must be on solving those problems rather than politicking all day long. The people deserve more for him and this government.”
