Deputy Speaker expunges two parts of Pending rep’s debate speech

(From left) Ibrahim, Idris and Yong.

By Lian Cheng and Karen Bong

KUCHING, Nov 23: Deputy Speaker Datuk Idris Buang has ordered for the expungement of two parts of Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong’s (PH-DAP) debate speech today.

The first part involved Yong calling on Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to replace the Minister of Housing, while the second part involved Yong implicating Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki’s (GPS-PBB) personal business.

Idris clarified to the august House that the decision was made based on the residuary power under Standing Order 89, read together with Standing Order 86 on the rulings of the Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly.

Idris made the decision following the call to expunge parts of Yong’s speech by Ibrahim today during the second session of debate on the Sarawak Budget 2024.

“Furthermore, she should not call another colleague ‘incompetent’ as she did to the Honourable Member for Batu Kawah. Because it would appear that she is imputing underlying and improper motives. Standing Order 32(4) states clearly that it shall be out of order to use offensive and insulting language against members of the Dewan.

“The election and the campaign period is over, there is no need to call people names. Therefore, Mr Speaker, I humbly suggest and seek your kind indulgence that her statement yesterday on the matter above be expunged from the Hansard,” said Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, Ibrahim took the opportunity to remind the august House that in her speech yesterday, she directly addressed him twice.

“There is decorum and ethics enshrined under the Standing Order to address the Speaker instead of me directly.

“For me, we do not want this august House to become a coffeeshop or pasar malam (night market). (The member of) Pending should be aware. As an experienced member, she should know about the conduct (within DUN) according to the Standing Order,” said Ibrahim.

In response, Idris said he was in agreement with Ibrahim to have parts of (yesterday) expunged as “there is a language threat in between imputing another member with some ulterior motives or some negative aspersions”.

He referred to Erskine May Paragraph 21.21 which states — “Good temper and moderation are the characteristics of parliamentary language. Parliamentary language is never more desirable than when a Member is canvassing the opinions and conduct of their opponents in debate. The Speaker will accordingly intervene in such cases and will also intervene in respect of other abusive and insulting language of a nature likely to create disorder”, Idris commented that Yong was “a bit impromptu and fast in giving her remarks and we were all taken aback”.

On Nov 22 (Wednesday), Yong called on Premier of Abang Johari to replace the Minister of Housing for the latter’s failure to establish the Strata Management Tribunal while debating on the Sarawak Budget 2023 during Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN). — DayakDaily