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In debating the Election (Amendment) Bill, Sarawak member of parliament Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (BN-Batang Lupar) was quoted as saying in The Star (April 9) that

The increase in electoral deposits would help to deter political nuisances from contesting in elections.

Many of these politicians are only hoping to be bought out from the elections by bigger political parties in the run-up to elections. This has happened many times in Sarawak.

Firstly, I understand that Wan Junaidi is one MP who will speak at any given opportunity in parliament, possibly to create an impression.

That is fine provided that every time he opens his mouth in parliament, he is able to handle himself well and talk things of substance.

However, Wan Junaidis recent remarks do not impress me one bit. They are mere noise with nothing original in the content. In fact, he was parroting minister in the Prime Ministers Department Dr Rais Yatim in the first part of his statement.

As a Sarawakian, I find his remarks insulting to politicians in Sarawak when he mentioned that many candidates are hoping to be bought or had been bought before by the bigger parties.

If what he said is true, then Wan Junaidi is equally responsible for helping to breed political prostitutes in his home state. Did he do anything about it in his many years as a lawmaker? Probably not.

When he claimed that this has happened many times in Sarawak, Wan Junaidi is making a very serious allegation indeed.

He must have intimate knowledge of the bigger parties buying candidates or political nuisances selling themselves. Either way, it is his duty to inform the authorities of such activities which, if left unchecked, would puncture our political system.

As a former police officer, Wan Junaidi should be among the first to bring to book those who break the law. Or has he conveniently forgotten that political corruption is also a crime now that he is wearing a different shirt?

The Election Commission and the Anti-Corruption Agency should investigate Wan Junaidis allegations immediately and the MP should extend his fullest co-operation to them.

If the MP is really serious about wiping out political prostitution and corruption in Sarawak, then he should take action soon. He will have my full support and, I am sure, that of many Sarawakians too.

If not, then Wan Junaidi is guilty of merely spouting political rhetoric in parliament just to impress others and boost his own ego. That being the case, then nobody should take him seriously ever again.