By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 7: Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, who admitted that her mischiveous question targeting Johnny Pang (Tanjong Batu) was meant to spice up the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) session, has instead shot herself in the foot.
During her debate on the Sarawak Ports Authority Bill 2024, Yong questioned Pang’s qualifications for his appointment as a board member of the Samalaju and Bintulu port authorities.
Hitting back, Pang pointed out that it was the Democratic Action Party (DAP) secretary-general, who also serves as the Federal Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, who appointed him to Bintulu Port Authority (LPB).
“I think you (Yong) are confused. You should ask him (Loke). Why are you asking me? So you don’t even know who is the minister-in-charge of Bintulu Port Authority. So you must wake up,” he said after a minor exchange of words between several members ensued in the Chamber today.
This came after Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman called on Yong to withdraw her remarks questioning Pang’s appointment.
When asked by Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar to withdraw her statement, Yong defended herself, claiming she was merely posing questions rather than making allegations.
“Question also cannot kah? If he is qualified, let the Minister answer to say he has capability to do this and that… that’s why he can sit in the board… in the two boards as member. I am just questioning what specialty does he has… maybe the Minister has high regards for him to be appointed into the boards,” she said.
Yong expressed optimism in Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas to address her concerns, therefore seeing no need to retract her statement.
When Mohamad Asfia inquired about any laws prohibiting an elected member residing in Bintulu from being appointed to a board, Yong admitted she was not aware of any such laws.
“If policy allows, ok lah. Let the Minister (Uggah) answer lah (that) policy did not prohibit… he can sit in two boards. If one day Violet Yong comes… will put in three boards also can. Nevermind, I leave it to the Minister, this is a small matter… just to spice up the boring Dewan,” she joked.
Since Pang has responded, Mohamad Asfia asserted that the issue concluded there. — DayakDaily
