The outgoing Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud is not a suitable candidate for the governor’s post as various allegations of corruption, abuse power and cronyism have been rained on him, according to  Sarawak DAP Chairperson Chong Chieng Jen.

"Though many Sarawakians will agree with Taib's parting statement 'Sarawak for Sarawakians', equally many, if not more, will also agree that Taib will not be suitable as Governor of Sarawak,” he said.

He also pointed out that the fact that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had set up a special multi-agency task force to investigate the graft allegations against Taib speaks volumes of the seriousness of such accusations.

Chong ( right ) said this when commenting on recommendations that Taib be appointed the next governor.

The present term of the current office holder ,Abang Muhammad Salahuddin , is set to expire on Feb 28, with Taib officially resigning as chief minister on the same date.

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) of which Taib is the president has thrown its weight behind Taib to fill the post.

Chong, who is MP for Bandar Kuching and Kota Sentosa Assemblyperson said: "The setting up of a special task force to investigate Taib was announced in June, 2013 by the Commissioner of the MACC.  

"Since then, the MACC has not made any announcement whether the investigation has been concluded, or whether Taib will be prosecuted.

"As such, technically, Taib is still a 'suspect' over corruption allegations and therefore having a suspect as Governor of Sarawak will bring shame and disrupt to the state,” he added.

 So, it is absolutely not proper for the PBB to propose Taib go for the post and also it is not proper for the Rulers to accept such a nomination, said Chong, a constant critic of Taib's administration.

MACC probe, political ploy?

He said: "As to the MACC's investigation on Taib, having the benefit of hindsight on the events that have unfolded, it seems that the MACC's investigation of Taib is more a political ploy by the Federal Government to force the resignation of Taib rather than genuinely investigate the allegations.”

Chong said that the DAP stands firmly on the principle that all graft investigations allegations be carried out fairly, effectively and efficiently to bring the culprits to book.  

"Investigation of corruption allegations should not be used as a tool to achieve other ulterior or political motives," he said, adding that MACC must clear Taib's name first before being nominated for the post.

He then said that his party  calls on the MACC to issue a public statement on the status and outcome of its probe before Taib’s formal nomination (if there is one) of Taib as governor .

Chong said that while welcoming the resignation of Taib as the Chief Minister of Sarawak, DAP equally agrees with the view of the outgoing Chief Minister that 'Sarawak for Sarawakians'.

Meanwhile, Chong's colleague Wong King Wei, Padungan Assemblyman advised Taib not to accept the appointment of Yang Dipertua Negeri as he will be caught in a conflict of interests if he does.

"This is because Taib has been sole discretionary power to name his successor who will in turn will be consulted in  recommending Taib as Yang Dipertua Negeri.

"The Yang Dipertua Negeri is appointed by Yang Dipertuan Agong acting at his discretion but after consultation with the Chief Minister (Article 1(1) Sarawak Constitution.

"Taib may only want to pick on a person who will eventually name him as Head of State," said Wong, who is also a practising lawyer.

Another reason why Taib should not accept the appointment is that the MACC has yet to complete the probe against him which began two years ago.

If he does so he  could be the first head of State in the country’s history to be subjected to a MACC  probe, he said.

 Another reason is he is still a director in Mesti Bersatu Sdn Bhd involved actively in the  investment holding business, Wong added.

He pointed that "pursuant to Article 2(2) Sarawak State Constitution, the Head of State shall not hold any office of profit and shall not actively engage in any commercial enterprise".