Speaker expunges portions of Pending rep’s speech for naming member, implying improper motives

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, May 22: Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar today ruled that several portions of Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong’s speech be expunged from the official Hansard for violating Standing Orders, citing use of names, imputing improper motives and offensive language.

The ruling came in response to Yong’s speech during the motion of appreciation for the Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s address on Wednesday, which included two pantuns and references deemed inappropriate under Standing Orders 32(4), 32(5), and 32(6).

“No member shall impute improper motives to any other member or make any statement of allegation which the said member is not prepared to substantiate,” Asfia said, referring to Standing Order 32(6).

He further highlighted that under Standing Order 32(4), it is out of order for any member to use offensive and insulting language about fellow members, and that Standing Order 32(5) prohibits members from referring to other members by name during debates.

“You are using his name, which violates Standing Order 32(5), while 32(6) covers improper motive and 32(4) is for insulting language,” Asfia stated in his ruling.

This came following objections raised by Tupong assemblyman Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, who raised that the repeated mention of two specific names in her speech and poetic verses—could be interpreted as innuendo and veiled references meant to imply unsubstantiated allegations.

“Although YB Pending may argue that these terms were not directly aimed at any individual, it is evident—particularly from the perspective of the layperson—that such language is suggestive and alludes to a specific person.

“This form of innuendo, though veiled, reveals an intent that breaches the decorum expected under Standing Order 32,” Fazzrudin contended.

As a result, Asfia ordered the Secretary of the House to expunge the relevant sections of Yong’s speech on pages 62, 63, and 64 of the Hansard, noting that Yong had already withdrawn the contentious pantun lines during proceedings. — DayakDaily

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