By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 9: In the upcoming Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) session, a ministerial motion will be tabled to amend the Standing Orders, mandating stricter verification and accountability for statements, allegations, and comments made by Assembly members.
The motion, aimed at improving the accuracy and integrity of sourced information, will be presented by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, on Nov 12.
DUS Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar highlighted that the current Standing Orders, last amended in 2011, are outdated and does not address the present challenges faced by State Legislatures in Malaysia.
The proposed amendments will include a formal definition of social media and address misuse of social media, as the Speaker currently lacks authority to act on disparaging comments made on social media about DUS rulings.
“The amendment seeks to ensure that members verify the truthfulness and accuracy of statements, allegations, or comments sourced from newspapers, online news portals, social media, or other online platforms, as well as from private individuals or organisations,” he explained during a press conference following a pre-council meeting chaired by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters today.
Mohamad Asfia emphasised that members must substantiate any allegations or comments made within the House, ensuring both the validity of the content and the credibility of the source.
“If verification cannot be made, then the statement should not be made. Allegations or quotes must be backed by verifiable truth and source credibility,” he explained.
The amendment will also address situations where unverified or offensive statements are made outside DUS, establishing a nexus or clearer link within the Standing Order to address such instances.
“Currently, if an allegation or statement offends an honourable member but lacks verifiable connection, the Standing Order does not apply as there is no nexus,” he said.
He pointed out that this amendment will establish such a connection and provide grounds for disciplinary action. — DayakDaily
