Sarawak’s Deputy Chief Minister George Chan is irritated that the media is taking an unhealthy interest in his private life, especially his relationship with his new wife, businesswoman Lorna Enan Mulloon.
Recently, a whistleblower report by Sarawak Report alleged that Chan, a private medical practitioner-turned-politician, helped his alleged long-time girlfriend Christina Foo to secure the contract to build the Sarawak International Medical Centre (SIMC) at Kota Samarahan for RM400 million.
Neither Chan nor Foo, who is an accountant, denied the report. SIMC is now taken over by the federal government to be turned into a heart centre of the Sarawak General Hospital.
Chan is said to have quietly married Lorna, the adopted daughter of the late Joseph Balan Seling, a former local government minister. Unlike the Sarawak Chief Minister, Taib Mahmud, George wed about a year ago in a private ceremony.
Taib’s wedding was celebrated on a grand scale and was graced by the presence of Prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and the First Lady mah Mansor.
George seems to misunderstand that politicians who elect to serve the public must remember that whatever they do will be under scrutiny. They are supposed to behave in an exemplary manner.
Residents of Miri have alleged that he was a serial womaniser when he was married to his first wife the American Judith Chan, who after her divorce left Sarawak for Singapore.
George may not be aware, but Sarawakians are curious if Taib’s wedding reception involved taxpayers' money.
All MPs have to adhere to a Code of Conduct which provides guidance on the standards of conduct expected during the course of their parliamentary duties.
All politicians need to enjoy the public's trust when it comes to issues of financial probity, of money, of managing our nation's finances. Sadly, these politicians only seek to enjoy taxpayers’ money.Ros
MPs enter public service and they are in for what they give not what they can get.
But in Sarawak, several MPs have abused the system. That is why we need an open, transparent democracy where all these things are above board. This transparency should also affect all public institutions that receive taxpayers' money.
George told reporters that he should be allowed to focus on his political career and contribution to society, and not be distracted by persistent questions about his private life.
However, when the public learnt that George’s girlfriend is alleged to have benefited from the shoddy deals which he arranged for the construction of SIMC, how can he expect the rakyat to keep quiet?
George suggested that everyone look at what he had contributed towards the development of Sarawak.
Alas, he remains clueless.
That is why the clean up of Sarawak’s finances has got to start immediately. It will also have to affect public institutions, including those involving the health service.
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