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KUCHING, Oct 15: Freedom of speech in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) is not a license to make any allegations without proof.
Member of the National Assembly (ADUN) Daro Safiee Ahmad stressed that the integrity of Sarawak's DUN institutions should be maintained.
"It is true that we are given freedom of speech. It's true that we have been given the privilege of talking. But that freedom is not a license to make accusations without evidence, to utter insulting words or to challenge the intentions of a respected member without foundation and strong evidence.
"I want to emphasize that the issue we are discussing today is not about who is in government and who is in opposition. This is a matter of upholding the integrity of this majestic Sarawak State Legislative Assembly institution. The rules of the meeting were not created to impede democracy. But to ensure that democracy can function in an orderly, disciplined and dignified way", he said.
He said this while supporting the proposal brought by Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin in connection with the action of Chong Chieng Jen on the Fourth Day Conference of the Second Meeting for the 19th DUN Sarawak Quarterly here today.
Additionally, the rules of assembly were created not to restrict democracy but to ensure that democracy could function in an orderly, disciplined, and dignified manner.
He said that a toxic political culture of confusion should be contained.
"Otherwise, we will change from an institution that discusses the policies and interests of the people to a court of accusations and libel. And in the end, it is not any political party that will be affected but people's confidence in this institution and House", he added. - TVS
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