By Karen Bong
KUCHING: Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar today dismissed Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong’s motion demanding his withdrawal of the word “biadap” and an apology, ruling that it was procedurally flawed as allegations against the Speaker must be raised through a substantive motion.
Asfia said Yong’s motion did not follow the proper procedure under the Standing Orders, stressing that reflections on the Speaker’s character or decisions could constitute a breach of privilege and could not be dealt with through ordinary debate.
He also maintained that “biadap” could describe disorderly conduct during a debate rather than necessarily being directed personally at a person.
Yong had sought to move the motion under Standing Orders 23(2)(p) and 32(4), following Asfia’s use of the word “biadap” (rude) during yesterday’s (Oct 20) sitting.
She argued that the remark was unparliamentary, citing the Parliament of Malaysia’s official glossary, which identifies discourteous language, including “biadap”, as unparliamentary under Standing Order 36(4).
Her motion called on Asfia to withdraw the remark and apologise in the interest of upholding the dignity, decorum and standing of the House.
In rejecting the motion, Asfia said Yong had challenged the authority of the Chair over three consecutive days, from Oct 19 to today.
Citing Erskine May, the authoritative reference on parliamentary procedure, he said reflections on the Speaker’s character or actions could constitute a breach of privilege and must be addressed through the prescribed procedures.
He also cited Standing Order 86, which provides that the Speaker’s decisions on the interpretation of Standing Orders and matters of practice are final, subject to a substantive motion.
Asfia referred to exchanges during the Oct 19 sitting and a Facebook post by Yong criticising his handling of the proceedings as examples of challenges to the Chair’s authority.
“Now I turn to the Facebook of the Honourable Member of Pending dated 20th October 2026, (which post read) See how a longest serving Speaker of 26 years conducted the session this morning. He refused to turn on my mic and let me speak. Sarawak GPS through their majority is distorting the historical record of what actually happened inside the House. By removing the word coward does not make them less coward, still a game of political coward.
“All these are recorded,” he asserted.
He said the Standing Orders provided disciplinary measures against members who persistently obstructed proceedings, used objectionable words and refused to withdraw them, or deliberately defied the Speaker’s rulings.
Asfia added that he could have invoked Standing Order 40(4) to initiate proceedings that could lead to Yong’s suspension for the remainder of the term.
However, he said he chose to dismiss the motion instead.
“I choose just to dismiss the motion. We don’t want to be accused that because we are majority, we do that,” he said. — DayakDaily
