KUCHING, July 10: State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar today dismissed the motion by Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon (DAP) proposing the removal of cement monopoly in the state of Cahya Mata Sarawak (CMS).
The reason being was that the matter was under the purview and jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism.
When replying to the motion, Asfia quoted a letter from the state Ministry of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, that the manufacturing licence for cement was under the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism and is listed under controlled items of the federal ministry.
Asfia said he will forward the letter to Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen (DAP) who happens to be the Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs.
“In short, for Honorable Member for Kota Sentosa (Chong), the letter from the state ministry is under your portfolio. My office can extend to you the reference number for you to take it up to your ministry,” he quipped.
From the letter, Asfia explained that the licences and the pricing of cement in the state was granted by the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism because cement was a controlled item.
Meanwhile, three other motions from Pakatan Harapan (PH) assemblymen were also dismissed.
The first two was read out by Pelawan assemblyman David Wong (DAP) — for the amendment of the Land Code for automatic and unconditional renewal of land leases; and the concession of state road and maintenance which had been awarded to CMS.
The third one was by Dr Ting for the state government to provide fair and equitable funds for all elected state representatives in Sarawak, including those from PH.
Asfia argued that the motions were to be dismissed as it violated the standing order. — DayakDaily
