As such, a recent statement made by one of its senior politicians, claiming that another leader was collaborating with gangsters, must not be misconstrued to mean that the party was linked to organised crime activities or was a samseng party, it president Datuk William Mawan said yesterday.

We, (SPDP) have all the mechanisms and channels through which to express our views and sentiments, not through gangster ... the party could be sujugated or controlled by dubious groups because we are a responsible and civic-conscious party ," he told reporters at the opening of the Sarawak Golf Club's new Matang Santubong course and newly-renovated club-house by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud at Petray Jaya here.

Mawan, who is also the Social Development and Urbanisation Minister, was commenting on a statement by SPDP treasurer-general and Bintulu Member of Parliament (MP) Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing, that a party leader had allegedly collaborated with gangsters and used the party's name for his own gains.

Tiong on Friday claimed that, from feedback received, the SPDP leader in question had also gone to the extent of negotiating with the police for the release of certain known gangsters who were arrested in Bintulu.

Mawan said he was confident that the police would resolve the matter in due course as Tiong ahd also received threats from certain gangsters.

"It is very difficult for Tiong, as MP, not to speak on any issues, and there is some genuine concern over there is some genuine concern over public safety as he has been threatened by the gangsters" Mawan said, adding that he had talked with Tiong over the matter.

He said it was in the course of receiving these threats that Tiong also discovered that certain SPDP members were allegedly "sympathethic" or involved with the gangsters.

As far as SPDP was concerned, Mawan pointed out that the party could not tolerate a leader like the one reported by Tiong and he assured disciplinary action would be take against that person or any other persons found to be committing similar offence.

"The party will not tolerate criminal activities, especially collaboration with gangsters," he said.

In the front-page report of a local daily yesterday, Tiong, in expressing his disappointment said any party leader should know their responsibilities fully well to ensure the smooth progress of society and uphold high principles when carrying out their responsibilities.

Even if they attempted to help the gangsters, the intention should be directed towards guidng them to turn over a new leaf and work to earn a decent living, he added.

"However, if these people are really involved in illegal activies, then it is best that they face the law first and be judged accordingly for what they had done in the past.  Let the law take its course," Tiong said in Bintulu.
...END. ST