DUN Sarawak: Members of the House are not immune from action

KUCHING, Oct 15: Freedom of speech in a democracy must be accompanied by responsibilities including ensuring that any allegations made are based on facts and evidence.

Member of the Machan State Legislative Assembly (ADUN), Allan Siden Gramong said that the right of the opposition to criticize the government does not mean they can make accusations without evidence or use insulting language.

According to him, freedom of speech should be exercised by respecting the rules of the meeting, while being a member of the council does not provide immunity from action in case of violation of the rules.

"The mandate given by the people to each council member comes with a responsibility to ensure that information is delivered accurately, correctly and accountably", he said.

He said this while addressing a motion brought by Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin regarding action against UNDP leader Chong Chieng Jen at the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference today.

Allan explained that allegations made at the conference were not only recorded in hansard or official statements but could be reported to the media and widely circulated through social media.

Additionally, false accusations have the potential to tarnish an individual's reputation, undermine public confidence and form a misperception even if explanations are given later.

In this regard, he said that the serious allegations raised in the motion including use of unverifiable information, insulting language and accusations of improper motivation against other members of the council should be assessed on the basis of records as well as available evidence.

He said Sarawak should build a more mature political culture, based on facts, respecting differences of opinion and not making personal attacks as a substitute for quality arguments.

"We can disagree without enmity, talk openly without insult and criticize loudly without ignoring the truth", he said.

He said that any action against members of the council should be based on rules, evidence and fair consideration, regardless of the political position of the individual concerned.

"Mature democracy is not measured by the freedom to make accusations, but by the courage to hold accountable every word spoken", he explained.