Inside the stately office of Sarawak’s Speaker

Upon entering the office of Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, one is instantly transported to the venerable chambers of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom.

This ambience is no accident, as Asfia has deliberately curated an atmosphere that mirrors the dignity and prestige of his role as the head of the state legislature.

The room exudes an air of quiet authority and respect, with its rich wood panelling, tasteful furnishings, and a collection of scholarly tomes and official documents that underscore the gravity of his responsibilities.

Adorning the walls are portraits of the Speaker and his family, alongside images capturing moments with various esteemed leaders. This setting serves as a fitting stage for a man who has overseen the legislative affairs of the state for nearly a quarter of a century.

Asfia’s desk is a model of meticulous organisation, a reflection of his systematic approach to governance. A map of Sarawak, meticulously detailed and divided into electoral constituencies, rests under a protective layer of glass on his desk, symbolising his deep connection to the region he serves.

A figure of both public and private distinction, Asfia warmly welcomes a delegation from the Sarawak Tribune into his office, clad in his signature double-breasted suit — a sartorial choice that speaks to his sophistication and echoes the style of British aristocracy.

His presence exudes a unique blend of confidence and approachability, earning him admiration within and beyond the legislative circles. Behind his sharp gaze lies a profound depth of knowledge and an unwavering focus, while his meticulously groomed hair and English-style moustache accentuate his fastidious nature.

Despite the formality of his surroundings, Asfia’s warm smile and courteous demeanour put visitors at ease, revealing a personable aspect that complements his professional stature.

Early Political Career

Reflecting on his early foray into politics, Asfia recounts the days when he was a youthful 31-year-old barrister fresh from completing his legal studies in the United Kingdom.

“I was a bachelor then and I was the legal advisor to Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB). The Chief Minister at that time, the late Tun Datuk Patinggi Abdul Rahman Ya’kub vacated his seat and asked me to take over in Kuala Rajang,” he said.

During those times, the challenges were starkly different from the present day.

“The terrains were tough with less roads and more rivers. There were many speedboats but cost of petrol was high,” he said.

Asfia vividly remembers the election landscape of the past, characterised by unclear party rules and election laws, with campaign durations extending beyond three weeks. Independent candidates abounded, reflecting the fiercely competitive spirit of those electoral contests.

“In 1979, it was the first time the state election was separated from the parliamentary election. Back then, Kuala Rajang was a big area and it was only accessible by speedboats.

“There were three locals who contested against me as independent candidates and they lost their deposits,” he said.

Despite not being a native of Kuala Rajang, he served the constituency diligently from 1979 to 1983, propelled by his affiliation with PBB.

After a hiatus in his political journey, Asfia staged successful electoral campaigns in Serdeng in 1991, followed by subsequent wins in 1996 and 2001, culminating in his tenure in Semop in 2006. Throughout these electoral triumphs, he remained undefeated, though rueful at not being allowed to serve his hometown.

Ascension to the Speakership

In the year 2000, Asfia ascended to the esteemed position of DUN Speaker, following a prior appointment as Deputy Speaker in 1995.

“At that time, there was no Deputy Speaker and a resolution was passed in which a Speaker needed a Deputy Speaker. There were not many lawyers around in PBB, so I was appointed as the Deputy Speaker in 1995,” he said.

Asfia’s tenure as Speaker is poised to mark a historic milestone, as he approaches his 25th year in this distinguished position in November of the coming year. This tenure not only distinguishes him as the longest-serving Speaker in Malaysia but also across the Commonwealth — an unparalleled feat in the realm of legislative governance.

Reflecting on the weighty responsibilities that accompany his role, Asfia candidly shares the pressures and demands of managing motions and questions that flood in before each sitting, a task that can send one’s blood pressure soaring. Despite the intense moments during sessions, he maintains a light-hearted demeanour, jesting about the need for a doctor’s visit if one’s blood pressure fails to normalise post-sitting.

The Dynamics of the August House

Not many may know this, but being the Speaker comes with significant and heavy responsibilities.
Asfia said motions and questions would come in one month before the sitting commences and this could cause one’s blood pressure to go up.

“During the sitting itself when things are heated, your blood pressure goes further up. At the end of the sitting, your blood pressure will go back to normal.

“If it stays up and is not normal, it is time for you to go and pay the doctor a visit,” he said in jest.
Describing the August House as an arena, Asfia elaborated on the distinctive layout where the government and opposition benches are positioned at least two sword lengths apart, symbolising the adversarial nature of Westminster-style politics.

“In Westminster tradition, the government sits to the right of the Speaker, while the opposition occupies the left. This spatial arrangement reflects a confrontational setup where the heads of government and opposition directly face off—inevitably creating tension.”

He contrasted this with European parliamentary attempts to mitigate adversarial tones by adopting more collegial and classroom-like setups.

“Unlike Westminster’s structured confrontation, European models often blur distinctions between government and opposition, aiming for a less confrontational atmosphere,” he said.

Reflecting on his past experiences, Asfia recalled a time when the opposition in the DUN comprised 15 members, with 12 of them being courtroom lawyers.

“Their strategy was to turn the Dewan into a courtroom, where the focus was on ability and skill rather than sheer numbers, governed by a mastery of the standing orders.

“At one point, having 14 courtroom lawyers made the proceedings quite challenging for the Speaker. Now, with only two, their approach still remains to assail and challenge the government, but it is not as rowdy,” he said.

● The second part of this series will explore the roles and functions of DUN especially in protecting Sarawak’s rights as well as reclaiming eroded rights enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).