Speaker urged to prioritise opposition leader appointment for democratic integrity

KUCHING: Special Assistant to Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong Feng Nian, has urged the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker to promptly address the absence of an opposition leader in the Sarawak State Assembly.

This plea comes in the wake of revelations that Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, formerly holding the position, relinquished his role after Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) pledged support for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

Despite the shift in political dynamics, Kong said the Speaker’s delay in officially announcing a new opposition leader raises concerns about the adherence to established norms within the Westminster parliamentary system.

“In a democratic society, the position of opposition leader stands as a crucial pillar, ensuring robust debate, accountability, and representation for diverse voices.

“It is an intrinsic part of parliamentary democracies worldwide, providing a structured mechanism for the expression of dissenting opinions and alternative perspectives.

“The absence of an opposition leader denies citizens the full spectrum of representation and discourse, crucial for a healthy democratic process,” he said in a statement.

During a press conference at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters on Nov 18, Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar said that PSB no longer acting as an opposition party.

With that, PSB president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh ceased to be the opposition leader.

As such, Kong emphasised that this is not a matter of mere symbolism but a fundamental tenet of a functioning democracy.

He added that it is imperative to safeguard the integrity of the parliamentary system.

“The recognition of the opposition leader should also extend beyond a nominal title. It should encompass tangible support, such as office allocation and staff, to empower effective scrutiny of government policies and actions.

“As such, I urge the Sarawak DUN Speaker to look into the matter and make the appointment of an opposition leader a priority, providing him or her with the necessary resources.

“It is imperative that we safeguard the integrity of our parliamentary system, ensuring that every voice, regardless of its stance, is given due recognition and resources to fulfil its democratic responsibilities.”