Vocal Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) treasurer-general and Youth chief Tiong King Sing survived a car accident on Sunday - suspiciously soon after a rumour was spread about him.

Contacted today in Kuala Lumpur, the Bintulu MP said the rumour began circulating about 9pm on Saturday that he had been shot dead. Five hours later, his car was involved in an accident in Bintulu.

"I feel there is something fishy going on. Why did the rumour circulate in Sibu just few hours before I met with an accident in Bintulu? Is it a coincidence or was this planned? I'm not sure," he said in a phone interview.

According to Oriental Daily News , Tiong and two other SPDP members were on their way back to their hotel after attending a pre-celebration for the Dayak Gawai festival in the small town of Sebauh in Bintulu.

A Proton Iswara overtook their car, knocked into it and caused the driver to lost control. The car overturned. Five people have since been detained by police, according to the news report.

Tiong sustained injuries to his head, and two others were also injured - passers-by came to their aid an hour later and took them to hospital.

They lodged a police report, but Tiong said he refused to be admitted to hospital as he had to attend a business meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.

Asked if there was a possibility of revenge because he has spoken up about gangsterism in Parliament recently, he said: "There is nothing to be afraid of - whatever needs to be done must be done for the sake of the people."

Well wishers respond

Tiong also said he has received more than100 phone calls and about 70 text-messages from residents in his constituency and friends around Malaysia.

"After receiving medical treatment around 5am yesterday, I had phone calls from about six people who showed their concern. I appreciate their gesture," he said.

"Many people, some from my constituency and some from Sibu, called up to encourage me to continue to fight crime in Sarawak."

As to whether he would request the police to provide security, he said he would look into this later as he needs time to rest. However, he urged the state police to investigate the incident and surrounding circumstances.

Tiong said he would not back off from focusing attention on the crime rate although he had received many calls reminding him to be careful..

"I appreciate the reminders but I think I have the responsibility to continue to helping my people to get the security they deserve," he added.

On March 29, Tiong had lashed out in Parliament at Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud for failing to maintain law and order in Sarawak, particularly in Sibu.

He also alleged that secret societies and gangsters were having a field day and becoming increasingly powerful by the day, such as in determining the price of essential foods like eggs, as well as setting the price of rubber and forcing producers to sell through them.