KOTA Kinabalu Member of Parliament (MP) Hiew King Cheu’s response to the MP Watch: Eye on Parliament project, which asks all 222 MPs six questions.
(source: parlimen.gov.my)Name: Hiew King Cheu
Constituency: Kota Kinabalu
Party: DAP (Opposition)
Years as MP: Since 2008
Government post: None
Party post:
Central executive committee member Sabah state committee chairperson
Membership in parliamentary committee or caucus: None
Would you support the abolition/review of the Internal Security Act (ISA), in particular the provision that allows for detention without trial? Why or why not?
Of course we support the abolishment of the ISA or to have certain amendments to [curb] its power [that allows] for detention without trial. The ISA has been used as a political tool.
Do you think Malaysia should be a secular or an Islamic state? Why?
We in DAP have always wanted and strongly feel that Malaysia is a secular nation, and that [this] is the basic principle we should adopt to have fairness and equality for every Malaysian.
How do you define your role as an elected MP? Does Parliament provide you with the necessary infrastructure and support to fulfill your role?
As an opposition MP, [I am] totally not given fair treatment, nor do I receive the necessary infrastructure and support to fulfill my role, which is to serve the people especially in my constituency. We want to be treated fairly and equally like Barisan Nasional MPs, at the very least to have control over the funding allocations for MPs.
Would you support a Freedom of Information Act? Why or why not?
Freedom of information is something that we strongly feel about. Information should be made easily available to each and every MP, so that the information can be [made] known to the people.
If there was one thing you could do to strengthen parliamentary democracy in Malaysia, what would it be?
Parliamentary democracy in Malaysia has to be improved, and this very much depends on the Speaker’s will to improve and enhance democracy in all cases.
Do you believe in the separation of powers between the government, Parliament and judiciary? Why or why not?
There is a close tie between the power of the government, Parliament and the judiciary. We find it difficult to separate the connection [between these institutions] nowadays, but it would definitely be good and advisable to give each a clear line to cut [out] abuse and misuse. 
For other MP responses, see Full MP list
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