KUCHING, Oct 16 2026: Balingian State Legislative Assembly Member (SLM) Abdul Yakub Arbi stressed that discipline, justice and mutual respect among elected representatives must be given priority to ensure that the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (SLA) remains a legislative institution with integrity, credibility and the trust of the people.
He said that these principles form the basis for his support for the motion to address misconduct and inappropriate behaviour in the legislative assembly, referring to Padungan SLM Chong Chieng Jen was suspended from the service of SLA until the end of its session.
He said every elected representative has the responsibility to preserve the dignity of the House entrusted by the people as a forum for discussing public interests, formulating policies and fighting for the well-being of the state.
“Therefore, every Honorable Member is responsible for maintaining the credibility of the House through speech and actions that reflect maturity as a representative of the people.
“Differences of opinion are part of the democratic process. However, these differences must be conveyed responsibly and civilly, without personal attacks, insults, threats or actions that can disrupt the proceedings of the session,” he said in a media statement today.
Abdul Yakub stressed that freedom of speech in the House must always be balanced with responsibility and compliance with the Standing Orders regardless of political position or belief.
“Freedom of speech must go hand in hand with responsibility. No one can consider themselves above the rules of the House,” he said.
He explained that compliance with the rules was not intended to restrict freedom of speech, but rather to ensure that every elected representative could participate in the debate in a fair, mature and orderly manner.
“However, action against misconduct should not be seen as an effort to suppress legitimate criticism or limit differences of opinion in the session.
“On the contrary, rules are needed to ensure that all Honorable Members have a fair space to express their views in an orderly and respectful atmosphere,” he added.
He also stressed that strong debates and differences of opinion still have a place in democratic practice, as long as they are carried out prudently and respect the authority of the Speaker and the institution of the House.
In this regard, he said, any action against misconduct must be carried out consistently, fairly and equitably regardless of the political position or inclination of a representative.
“No Honourable Member should be above the rules, and at the same time, no one should be treated unfairly. The principles of accountability, justice and equality must apply to all,” he said.
At the same time, Abdul Yakub called on all elected representatives, whether from the government or the opposition, to continue to prioritise a culture of constructive debate and to put the interests of the people as a priority.
He added that differences in political stances should not affect the shared responsibility to defend the integrity of the Sarawak State Assembly as an institution that reflects the maturity of democracy and the aspirations of the people of this state. -
Yesterday, Padungan SLM Chong Chieng Jen was suspended from the SLA for the remainder of the current session after a motion citing an allegedly misleading statement about the State 2027 Budget document and
his conduct during thet debate.
The motion was moved by Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman Lee Kim Shin and seconded by Minister in the Premier’s Department and Kakus assemblyman John
Sikie Tayai.
Sixty-two SLMs voted in favour of the motion, while DAP's Pending SLM Violet Yong voted against it and Batu Lintang SLM See Chee How abstained.
In tabling the motion, Transport Minister Lee Kim Shin said Chong’s remarks on Oct 13 questioned the reliability of the budget document after highlighting a pagination issue.
He also referred Chong’s conduct during the Budget debate on Oct 14, including his remarks to the Speaker: “So, Tuan Speaker, you have wasted a lot of my time… I
know you are in control, but please be fair to me......"
No comments:
Post a Comment