‘Not about durian?’: Exchange between Premier, Padungan rep ends last day of DUS sitting on fruity note

Abang Johari (left) and Chong in DUS on May 15, 2024.

By Ling Hui

KUCHING, May 15: The winding-up speech of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in the august House today took an unexpected turn when Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen decided to interject to seek a response from the Sarawak government on the dBazaar app issue.

Moments after Abang Johari indicated that he was closing his speech, Chong intervened and raised his concerns regarding the local app dBazaar, which allegedly prevents its users from withdrawing their money.

He claimed that issues surrounding the app have not been addressed by any ministers despite the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting ending today.

“I’ve waited through all the winding-up of the ministers but this (dBazzar app) issue that I raised during my debate (on May 9) was not answered by any of the ministers.

“I hope YAB Premier can address this issue, and if not, at least give a written answer after the sitting,” said Chong.

In response, Abang Johari said there were some ongoing legal issues between SPay Global and dBazaar, and assured Chong that the Sarawak government will follow up with a written answer to him.

When the audience was expecting Abang Johari to resume his speech, he blurted: “I thought (you wanted to talk) about durian,” which triggered waves of laughter and desk-thumping in the august House.

Abang Johari was referring to Chong’s tabling of a private member’s motion on Monday (May 13) to push for the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) to review the trading restrictions imposed on a local durian hawker and the subsequent rejection of the motion by the Speaker on Tuesday (May 14). — DayakDaily