By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, May 11: There were missing representatives from six constituencies in Sarawak at the one-day State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
The four missing assemblymen from Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) are Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh (Bawang Assan), Datuk Ranum Mina (Opar), Dr Johnichal Rayong Ngipa (Engkilili), and Datuk Tiong Thai King (Dudong).
The fifth is Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Ra’paee from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Meanwhile, the Pujut seat is vacant following the disqualification of its former assemblyman, Dr Ting Tiong Choon who lost a court case arising from allegations he held dual citizenship.
DUN speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar said, “As you all observe the seat of the N.74 Pujut is vacant.
“This follows the decision of this August House to disqualifying the former Honourable Member for Pujut by way of a Ministerial Motion on May 12, 2017 in a 70 to 10 vote pursuant to Article 17 (1) (g) and Article 19 of the State Constitution of Sarawak.
“On February 11, the Apex Court, that is the Federal Court upheld the decision of the DUN, dismissed the decision of the Majority of Court of Appeal and the High Court.
“The Federal Court ruled that Article 118 of the Federal Constitutions deals with the candidate in the election whereas Article 17(1)(g) of the State Constitution is on disqualification of an elected member of the DUN.
“The Federal Court ruled that there was no breach of rules of Natural Justice,” he said in his opening address on the first meeting of the fifth session of the 18th DUN sitting here today.
Meanwhile, Krian assemblyman Ali Biju who was present was seated between Saribas assemblyman Mohammad Razi Sitam from GPS and Wong in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Chambers during the one-day sitting.
At the same time, Wong was allocated a seat next to Ali and Kidurong assemblyman Chiew Chin Sing (Democratic Action Party).
Yesterday, Mohd Asfia revealed that Wong has been placed on the opposition bench following his resignation from his position as a state cabinet minister last year.
He told a press conference that there might be two former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) assemblymen who were in close proximity to PSB added to the party’s current four assemblymen to make six. — DayakDaily
