Speaker ejects Padungan rep from Sarawak Assembly amid uproar over seat increase debate

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, July 7: Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen was ejected from the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today after repeatedly interrupting Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang’s speech in support of the Bill to increase the number of State constituencies from 82 to 99.

The incident unfolded during Lo’s debate on the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025, when he alleged that Chong and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong of contradicting themselves by rejecting the proposed increase in State seats while calling for more parliamentary representation for Sarawak.

“It is extremely disappointing to observe that Honourable Members for Pending and Padungan do not support this Bill and oppose the proposed increase in seats. This is astounding.

“It appears that Pending and Padungan do not want Sarawak and Sabah to have one-third representation in Parliament in accordance to Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Member for Padungan says he supports increasing Sarawak’s parliamentary seats, yet he refuses to support increasing State seats right here in Sarawak,” Lo said.

Chong attempted to interject and raise a point of order under the Standing Orders, but was not acknowledged by Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar. Lo was allowed to continue.

As the exchange escalated, Chong banged the Standing Orders book on his desk several times, prompting Asfia to issue a stern warning.

“You don’t do that. You don’t do that. He is rebutting your point.

“If you continue to do this, I will send you out,” the Speaker said, before ultimately ordering Chong’s removal.

The session resumed after Chong was escorted out of the chamber.

Speaking at a press conference shortly after the incident, Chong described his ejection as unjust and accused the Speaker of selectively applying Standing Orders.

He said his attempt to raise a point of order was in response to what he claimed was a false accusation by Lo that Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) did not support increasing Sarawak’s parliamentary seats.

“He made a direct accusation, which is untrue, because both myself and Violet have spoken and made our stand very clear. Table the increment of the parliamentary seats in Parliament, and all our Members of Parliament (MPs) will support. He lied in the Dewan.

“We are entitled to stand and raise point of order to demand him to withdraw (his remark) but the Speaker simply refused to allow that. He didn’t even switch on my mic,” Chong said, adding that the refusal to entertain his point of order contrasted with earlier leniency shown to GPS assemblymen.

He referred to Standing Order 32(6) which prohibits imputing improper motives, and 32(12), which states that any member who deliberately misleads the House is deemed to be in contempt.

“The Speaker was outright unfair. What is even more regrettable is that as if 82 to 2 by GPS is still not enough—now they want a total clean sweep by chasing us out. That is a sickening trend in this Dewan,” he said. – DayakDaily

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