By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 12: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) has approved a motion to amend its Standing Orders, aiming to strengthen governance by requiring that allegations made in the House be substantiated and verified, and by addressing the misuse of social media and press conferences to undermine the Speaker’s rulings.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, emphasised that the amendments are not intended to suppress, oppress, or instill fear, nor are they targeted at penalising Opposition members.
“These changes apply to all members of the House. We must show responsibility not only inside but outside the House. The goal is to encourage truthfulness and accountability. That is the purpose of this motion.
“Much has been said about the reasons for this motion, but it is ultimately meant to uphold and preserve the dignity, sanctity and integrity of this august House,” he said in is winding up speech for the motion today.
Abdul Karim acknowledged that the evolution of communication, especially with social media, necessitates updates to the Standing Orders to ensure members conduct themselves with respect and integrity, both within the House and publicly.
He also committed to considering concerns raised by Padungan member Chong Chieng Jen and Pending member Violet Yong, who described the amendments as “ridiculous” and expressed fears they might stifle opposition voices from critiquing the government, addressing abuses of power, or exposing scandals.
The Opposition argued that the amendments could foster a culture of fear and are a step backward for open debate.
In introducing the motion, Abdul Karim highlighted the necessity of the amendments to curb the misuse of social media and press conferences, where some members have made vitriolic and insidious comments ridiculing and scorning the Speaker’s rulings.
“These amendments address recent developments and emerging challenges inadequately covered by the current Standing Orders in both Parliament and State Legislatures in Malaysia,” he said.
The amendments involve revisions to Standing Orders 20, 32(10), 40(3), 86, and 90, demanding accuracy and truthfulness in allegations, statements, and comments made in newspapers, online news portals, social media, and other platforms, whether by private individuals or groups.
It further states that no member, whether within or outside the House, may by conduct, actions, or words ridicule, dispute, show contempt for, or deliberately defy the Speaker’s rulings.
The amendments also define social media formally as a means of interaction, communication, or dissemination among people to create, share, exchange, or post information or ideas within virtual networks and communities.
“This Dewan is the highest legislative body of the State. Its proceedings should be conducted with dignity, solemnity and decorum. What is said in this Dewan and reported outside could influence the unity and harmony of the multi-ethnic community,” Abdul Karim stressed.
He emphasised that all deliberations and decisions in the House should be honoured and respected.
“Misrepresentation of anything said or discussed within the House, whether to the press or the public, must be avoided,” he said, adding that members already have sufficient opportunities for debate within the House and should not undermine or misrepresent Speaker’s rulings publicly.
As the legislative landscape continues to evolve, Abdul Karim emphasised that these amendments are crucial to ensuring that the governing rules remain adaptable, comprehensive, and capable of effectively managing contemporary issues and maintaining the integrity of parliamentary proceedings. — DayakDaily
