By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 9: Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen (PH-DAP) holds that the three former Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) lawmakers are breaching anti-party hopping laws by joining Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and is challenging Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) to take the matter to court.
Chong questioned the constitutionality of Bawang Assan assemblyman Wong Soon Koh (GPS-PDP), Bakelalan assemblyman Baru Bian (GPS-PDP) and Engkilili assemblyman Johnichal Rayong (GPS-PDP) who dissolved their former party, PSB, so that they may join PDP, a member party of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“Now we have a few members of this House where PSB has been dissolved and by right, it is ok. Then they become an independent ADUS (Sarawak lawmakers) and then they joined a party. Whether that contradicts the spirit of the Anti-hopping Constitution, my view is yes, and I would like to put that on record.
“I read the statement made by Speaker (Tan Sri Mohammad Asfia Awang Nassar) that they did not breach the Constitutional provision but I beg to differ,” said Chong while debating on TYT’s speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) here today.
Deputy Speaker Datuk Idris Buang interjected and questioned Chong if the latter would pursue judicial interpretation.
Acknowledging that it was not his business that dissolved PSB lawmakers joined PDP, Chong however, pointed out as Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) agreed to the arrangement, “it is for a component party to take judicial action”.
“My point is that it is up to SUPP but I think SUPP will not dare to take any action, I know them too well.
“Being a Constitutional issue, it should not be interpreted to suit, benefit and (be taken) advantage of (by) the party in power,” said Chong.
As Chong had spoken on other matters before reaching the issue of constitutionality of the three lawmakers who switched party, at this stage, Idris urged Chong to wind up as the latter has passed the 20 minutes given to each lawmaker to debate on TYT’s speech.
Chong responded by saying that he would wait and see if SUPP will take action on the issue.
“For me, it is to DAP’s advantage in that finally, we are rid of someone who pretended to be the Opposition but yet have the heart with the ruling government. The people and the voters are (now) sure and clear (of) that when they cast their votes in the next State election,” said Chong, concluding his debate.
In response, Idris said if Chong was unhappy, Chong had the liberty to pursue judicial interpretation and that there was no point in bringing the issue into the august House. — DayakDaily
