Member of Parliament for Bintulu Tiong King Sing today broke his silence since he was sacked from Sarawak National Party (Snap) and challenged the partys secretary-general, Justine Jinggut, to an open debate on his controversial sacking.

The dare, reported by local English daily The Borneo Post today, was issued following Justines remark yesterday that Tiongs sacking was justified as his case was different.

Justine had said this in reply to Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawis view reported two days ago that component parties of ruling front Barisan Nasional should not impulsively sack members as this could affect BN's interest.

Tiong, who had been refusing to take calls from the media since he was sacked Saturday by the party's central executive committee for breach of discipline, told the daily that the people who removed him from Snap had a hidden agenda.

He also denied promising RM1.5 million to pay for the construction of a TV3 transmitting station in Bintulu.

He said he was helping to raise the money, but before he could complete his task he was no longer the treasurer-general of the party.

Tiong was charged with breach of party discipline following the TV3 station controversy. The Miri High Court recently delivered a default judgment against the party for not paying the contractor for work done on the station.

Justine could not be contacted for comment today. According to an aide, he had gone to the interiors of the state.

Walkout

Meanwhile, Snap president James Wong Kim Min told malaysiakini today that the party had already sent a letter to the BN chiefs at both state and federal levels notifying them of Tiong's status as MP following his expulsion from the party.

The extensive media publicity given to the protest walkout by a group of Snap Dayak leaders — all but one of the elected representatives, including a deputy federal minister, a full state minister and two assistant ministers — at Saturdays CC meeting had created much interest among members throughout the partys 62 divisions in Sarawak.

While many of the divisions are still supporting the president, nevertheless a growing number is, accordingto most political observers, leaning towards Wongs rival, vice-president William Mawans side.