KUCHING: Four private members’ motions have been submitted by opposition representatives. However, only three motions will be tabled at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting which starts from tomorrow until Nov 13.
DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohn Asfia Awang Nassar said one motion had been rejected and it was submitted by Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen.
He said the motion by Chong was on the setting up of a special select committee comprising at least one state legislative assembly member from all political parties that were members of the DUN to oversee and supervise the policies and management of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) to ensure that the wealth from oil and gas generated through Petros would be fairly distributed to all Sarawakians.
“The closing date for the submission of the motion was on Oct 30. His (Chong’s) motion was received on Nov 2 at 2.50pm, therefore his motion was two and a half days out of time,” Asfia told a press conference on the upcoming DUN Sitting at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters on Sunday (Nov 8).
“Standing Order 23 (1) reads “Except as otherwise provided in this Standing Orders, not less than 10 days’ notice of any motion shall be given unless it is in the name of the minister or the speaker’s authority has been signed in writing.”
“It was late, so on this ground the motion was rejected. There are other grounds which we can give, but first it is out of time,” he said.
Asfia said Chong had also been informed by the DUN Secretary that his motion had been rejected through a letter dated Nov 6.
He said two motions were summited by Pelawan assemblyman David Wong. The first motion urges the Chief Minister not to call for a state election within six months from the date the motion is passed by the August House.
In his second motion, Wong wants the Sarawak government to demand the Election Commission (EC) to allow Sarawakians living outside the state to vote either by setting up polling stations in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Penang and Sabah or through postal ballots.
Asfia said the third motion was submitted by Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang; she asked the state government to make full disclosure to the August House on the agreed terms of settlement with Petronas.
“All the private member’s motions under Standing Order 23 will be heard on Tuesday (Nov 10),” he said.
Asfia said there would also be a motion on the Election of Senator which would be held on Tuesday. He explained that the incumbent Senator was Datuk Dr Nuing Jeluing and his current term of senatorship would expire on Dec 10 this year.
“There will also be a motion of adjournment on Friday (Nov 13) after the winding-up of the budget by Assistant Minister of Urban Development and Resources Datuk Len Talif Salleh,” he said.
