In the wake of Wong Tack’s announcement that he will contest in Bentong under the DAP ticket, Himpunan Hijau steering committee member Clement Chin has pleaded with Wong, as its chairperson, to resign to make it clear the NGO is not controlled by any political ideology.

NONE In a statement, Chin ( right ) said that while he congratulated Wong on his decision to enter politics, he hoped that Wong would bring up environmental issues in the legislature if elected.

“Himpunan Hijau is most powerful when people from both sides of the political divide, including those non-political supporters who believe in the Earth Charter, are united as one. The concerned citizens will lend their support when they can relate to Himpunan Hijau’s vision and mission.

“Nevertheless, Himpunan Hijau can work with all political parties and other NGOs to achieve our common environmental objectives.

“I would suggest that as a matter of principle, Wong Tack should step down as the chairperson of Himpunan Hijau to pursue his political career.

“The current steering committee should elect a new chairperson so that it remains as a formidable people-centred and not political-centred NGO,” Chin said.

Yesterday, Wong, who hails from Karak, announced his candidacy to contest under the DAP ticket for the Bentong parliamentary seat, which is held by Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai.

Chin expressed concern that Himpunan Hijau, as a non-political NGO, could be treading in dangerous waters.

dap wong tack bentong ceramah 20130312 09 He said many have called up expressing doubts about Himpunan Hijau remaining apolitical by stepping into the murky waters of Malaysian politics following Wong’s announcement.

As we are aware, he said, through the goodwill from the efforts and sacrifices by many volunteers, Himpunan Hijau has become a vocal, legitimate and united people’s voice.

“Our supporters come from a cross-section of people irrespective of their political affiliation. We have to respect those supporters nationwide who wish to remain apolitical in their fight for environmental justice.”

As such, Chin said, Himpunan Hijau should maintain the people’s trust and confidence as a non-political NGO.

“As long as Himpunan Hijau sticks to its original Earth Charter statements, it will remain as a strong apolitical people’s force where the supporters are prepared to confront these issues as it is outside the Parliament.

‘Himpunan Hijau not a political party’

“We must be very clear that Himpunan Hijau is not a political party. In fact, it is not even registered as an NGO. Himpunan Hijau silent supporters will be put off by dragging the NGO into the political arena. The environmental issues will end up so politicised and muddled up that they will lose the essence and truth with all the mud-slinging at it.”

As an NGO, he said Himpunan Hijau would be most effective when attached to the hearts of the concerned citizens, without adhering to any political party agenda.

“Himpunan Hijau must remain independent and steadfast to pursue the Earth Charter without subjecting itself to any political party ideology,” said Chin.

The Earth Charter, he stressed, is not a political but an environmental and human rights manifesto.

lim guan eng and wong tack Chin hoped that Wong, as Himpunan Hijau chairperson, would keep the environmental, land, dam, nuclear and the host of the other teething green issues from being overly politicised by politicians for political mileage.

Attempts to contact Wong for his response to the call to quit Himpunan Hijau have been futile.

However, it is learnt that the majority of the movement's steering committee members support Wong in the contest for Bentong on  the DAP ticket.

Yesterday, three of the committee members - Dr Phua Kia Yaw, Bang Seet Ping and Ooi Boon Seng - attended the DAP press conference to show their support for Wong.

Big crowd gives Wong Tack warm welcome