Sarawak Legislative Assembly to revise Standing Orders to address social media challenges

Asfia (left) speaks while DUS secretary Nur Azhar Bujang looks on during the press conference held at DUS building on Sept 9, 2024.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Sept 9: Sarawak intends to amend its Standing Orders to address social media and online challenges, including comments undermining legislative rulings.

Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar announced that he will present a working paper to amend the Standing Orders at the upcoming Conference of Speakers of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies of Malaysia, in efforts to improve the standard of parliamentary democracy system.

He explained that some provisions in the current Standing Orders are outdated, and the rise of social media, a new phenomenon, is not adequately addressed by the existing rules of Parliament or State Legislative Assemblies.

“Sarawak Legislative Assembly has one of the most comprehensive Standing Orders, yet it does not address social media rulings.

“When a Speaker makes a ruling and social media comments follow, neither the State nor Federal Standing Orders can currently manage this. Therefore, we need to discuss together with the Speakers and listen to their opinions; all for the betterment of parliamentary democracy,” he said during a press conference held at DUS Complex here today.

Asfia emphasised that the amendment is not about controlling elected representatives’ social media posts, but rather dealing with online criticism directed at Parliament, Speakers, and their rulings, which the current Standing Orders do not cover.

“After a Speaker’s ruling on a Bill, online comments can appear as quickly as mushrooms after the rain. We want to update the provisions on how Parliament and the Dewan can tackle these challenges, a phenomenon that was not anticipated by the drafters of the Standing Orders,” he said, adding that a study is needed for Parliamentarians and Speakers to navigate this situation.

With the theme “Memperkukuhkan Institusi Speaker” or “Empowering the Institution of Speakership”, the conference will bring together a 42-member delegation of Speakers and Deputy Speakers from the Dewan Negara, Dewan Rakyat, and State Legislative Assemblies, along with their respective secretaries.

The conference will be held at the Pullman Hotel, Kuching, on Sept 12 and 13.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari is expected to officiate the opening ceremony on Sept 12 at the DUS Complex Banquet Hall.

This marks the first time Sarawak has hosted the Conference in 28 years, with the last held on Sept 27, 1996. – DayakDaily