By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 22: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has praised Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar for managing proceedings effectively amid a series of heated exchanges and disciplinary actions during the recent State Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting.
Speaking at Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Backbenchers Night here on Wednesday (Oct 21), he thanked Asfia for his handling of the Assembly, where debates sometimes became heated and members were ordered out of the chamber.
He said Sarawak upheld democratic principles by accepting criticism, but stressed that it must be delivered responsibly and based on facts.
“Various perceptions have been created on social media, but we stand by our position because we also believe in our democracy and accept criticism, provided it is expressed in a responsible manner,” he said.
His remarks followed a contentious sitting in which Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen was suspended from the Assembly for the remainder of the session after a motion cited alleged misleading statements about the Sarawak Budget 2027 document and his conduct during the Budget debate.
The following week, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong was ordered to leave the chamber after refusing to withdraw the words “political coward”, which the Speaker ruled unparliamentary, in reference to Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin. Yong subsequently criticised the ruling, alleging that the GPS-led government was suppressing opposition voices and arguing that the Speaker should have allowed her to explain her position.
The two incidents sparked debate over the Speaker’s authority, the conduct expected of elected representatives and the boundaries of criticism in the DUS. — DayakDaily
