DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook has warned that the opposition is likely to exploit a proposal on modernising pig farming in Selangor to portray the party as disrespectful towards the royal institution.
Speaking at a fundraising dinner, Loke said Perikatan Nasional (PN) would use the issue to claim that DAP does not respect the Sultan of Selangor, stressing that such allegations are unfounded.
“I want to emphasise that DAP has always upheld respect for the royal institution and the Sultan of Selangor,” he said.
The controversy stems from a proposal by Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki, who recently suggested implementing a modern, closed pig farming system in the state.
Wong argued that pig farming should not be singled out, noting that the issue touches on equality rights under the Federal Constitution and should be treated in line with other livestock industries.
Her proposal drew criticism from opposition parties, who said it contradicted Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s stance calling for a complete halt to pig farming in Selangor.
Loke defended Wong, describing her remarks as a respectful “alternative view” raised in her capacity as an elected representative.
He added that it is the responsibility of assemblymen to voice constructive opinions in the state assembly, and assured that the DAP leadership would stand by its representatives.
Loke also urged DAP lawmakers and their Pakatan Harapan allies in Selangor to call out what he described as hypocrisy from PN over the issue.
Wong has faced mounting pressure from opposition figures, including calls from Selangor PAS Youth for her suspension, while Bersatu assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin attempted to refer her to the rights and privileges committee. Umno leader Jamal Yunos also criticised her stance, urging her to leave Selangor.
Despite the backlash, Wong has maintained her position, saying the proposal was based on feedback from residents in her constituency.
