In a statement released Wednesday, Tiong referred to an article in Sin Chew Daily's March 24 issue which reported that SNAP was unhappy with the election result for the P216 Bintulu constituency and alleged discrepancy by the Election Commission (EC).

"Everything is stipulated in acts and by-laws and all parties have been given complete and comprehensive briefing as to ensure that everybody are equipped with understandings of the process and operation of the election," he added.

He urged SNAP to carefully study Regulation 15(3) of the Elections (Conduct of Elections)(Amendment) Regulations 2004 stating that: 

"...the presiding officer shall regulate the number of voters to be admitted to polling station and exclude other persons except the candidates, his election agent, polling agent, the returning officer, members or officers of the EC, person officially employed at the polling station or a relative nominated by an incapacitated voter or other persons authorised in writing by the EC."

Meanwhile, he also quoted Regulation 15(6)(a) that clearly stipulated that it shall be the duty of the presiding officer to keep order at his polling station.

"On March 13, the returning officer had made clear to the candidates and election agents in which SNAP election agent also attended, all the necessary facts including the process of Form A for polling agents and also regarding the do's and don'ts throughout the campaign period and election process has been single out," he added.

Under Section 5(1) of the Election Offences Act 1954, every polling agent authorised to attend any proceedings at a polling station shall before so attending make an oath of secrecy substantially in Form A in the First Schedule.

Section 32 of the Election Offences (Amendment) Act 2002, amends the First Schedule where Magistrates, Justice of Peace and Commissioner for Oaths are no longer eligible witnesses as before. So valid 'Form A' shall be declared by polling agents before the returning officer or other authorised proper officers free of charges.

According to Tiong, there were five such proper officers at the Bintulu District Office to attest declaration for polling agents and as such, the contention by SNAP on the issue should not be made in the first place as the predicament face by them is out of their own slip.

"As understand, some polling agents who also did not bring their 'Form A', therefore could not expect to be allowed to enter the polling station. Even, there are representatives from Barisan Nasional whom are not allowed to enter the polling station as they did not bring their Form A.

"EC allocated ample time for each and every political party to manage and operate their election strategy in accordance with the rules and regulations. What is stated in the law should not be made an excuse for the mismanagement in the party's strategy and operation," he added.

He stressed that Barisan Nasional is also bound by the rules, where they worked and campaigned in accordance with the law to uphold sovereignity.

Concerning the subject of electoral roll, he urged SNAP to meticulously refer to the Election 
(Conduct of Elections)(Amendment) Regulations 2004 where Regulation 12 which in effect inserted as new Regulation 14A to the Election (Conduct of Elections) Regulations 1981.

The regulation stated that electoral roll which are submitted to the candidates on the nomination day shall be the authoratitative text of the electoral rolls to be used on polling day.

Under Section 8 of the Election (Amendment) Act 2002, the electoral roll shall be deemed to be final and binding and shall not be questioned or appealed against in, or reviewed or quashed or set aside by any court.

"Even me myself made complaints to the EC as I believe the system is not perfect and need to be ratify. But please respect the people's choice and accept the fact that the people of Bintulu gave their verdict.

"Don't blame others on your own blunder but instead, find ways to improve and study the weaknesses. Finding scapegoats will never solve any issue," he said, pointing out that there were a lot of unfair practices by the opposition parties or supporters like misusing the candidate's pass to the official tally centre at the Civic Centre here by a SNAP member on March 21.

It was further embarassing for SNAP to complain about longhouse folks who were not welcoming them to campaign when it was the folks' private property and rights whether to consent or not anyone to enter their house.

In describing SNAP's action of making a police report as a step of blaming everybody as well as rejecting a principle of democracy, Tiong said: "It is not our rights to force anybody to like us as everybody has their rights whether to accept or reject us."

However, Tiong maintained that he had no intention to prolong the issue as his main aim now is to work and serve the rakyat.

Citing the allegation and finger-pointing of SNAP as a grumble of sore loser, the MP advised the public not to be carried away and listen to the wild accusation.

"Now I feel that this is the time for all of us to concentrate more on how to develop the constituency through collaboration and cooperation in the society. Entertain no hearsay," he added.