‘Must Dewan be held to ransom?’ Speaker questions absence of member aware of proceedings

Asfia stating his position on proceeding with a motion against Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen during DUNS Sitting on Oct 15, 2026. Photo: JaPEN Sarawak

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Oct 15: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS) should not be held to ransom or brought to a standstill simply because an assemblyman facing disciplinary action fails to attend a sitting despite knowing its schedule and the procedures governing its proceedings.

Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Asfia Awang Nassar made the point during deliberations on a motion by Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin to suspend Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen from the service of the DUNS for the remainder of the current sitting, with immediate effect, over his conduct in the House.

The discussion arose after Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How sought clarification on parliamentary procedure, questioning whether the debate should proceed when Chong was absent and the House had not been formally notified of his absence.

See said he fully recognised and respected the authority of the Speaker and the responsibility of the august House to maintain discipline and uphold its dignity.

However, he argued that the motion concerned the conduct of a member who was not present to respond to the allegations against him.

Citing Erskine May’s Parliamentary Practice, 24th edition, pages 276 to 277, under proceedings against members and footnote 29, See suggested that the House consider deferring the debate until Chong could be notified and given an opportunity to be heard.

“Mr Speaker, I notice that the member for Padungan is not present and we have not put a notice that he is not present in the House this morning, so I think probably we should rightly defer the debate to another day,” he said.

See proposed that Chong be formally notified to attend the House so that he could respond before the Speaker made a decision on the matter.

He also urged the House to at least be notified of Chong’s absence before proceeding with the debate on the motion.

In response, Asfia stressed that all assemblymen had been informed that the current DUNS sitting was scheduled from Oct 12 to 21, and that members were required to notify the Speaker through the secretary in writing as early as possible if they were unable to attend.

“The absence of an honourable member is governed under Standing Order 81. A member shall inform the Speaker as early as possible through the secretary of his inability to attend any meeting of the Dewan and the reason thereof.

“All members and the world know the sitting is from Oct 12 to 21,” he explained.

Asfia then questioned whether the House should be prevented from carrying out its business if a member who knew a motion had been filed against him chose to remain absent.

“Supposed a member knows there is a motion against him, he chooses not to attend, is the Dewan to be held to a ransom and put the Dewan to a standstill?” he asked.

Reiterating his position, Asfia said he had taken note of See’s concerns but questioned whether the absence of a member facing disciplinary action should automatically halt proceedings.

“If a member chooses not to be present, knowing there’s a motion against him, must the Dewan be stopped at a standstill and held at ransom?” Asfia said.

Later, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong informed the House that Chong, who is also Stampin MP, had yesterday (Oct 14) informed the Speaker he will be absent from today’s sitting as he has to be in Kuala Lumpur for a parliamentary matter today.