Jangan jadi Adun, Ahli Parlimen serentak, kata Speaker DUN Sarawak

Speaker DUN Sarawak, Asfia Awang Nassar, admonished the notion of an individual simultaneously holding the positions of an Adun and an Ahli Parlimen, in response to the Speaker's decision to allow Chong Chieng Jen to continue speaking during the DUN session. This controversy emerged following DAP's Pending constituency representative, Violet Yong, criticizing Asfia for alleging that Chong deliberately chose not to attend the session.

Despite acknowledging Chong's dual role, Asfia upheld the motion, stating that it adhered to the established procedure for requesting exceptions, which must be submitted in writing through the secretary. However, Asfia clarified that the motion needed to be in writing, but Chong's derogatory remarks on Facebook, suggesting his presence in Sarawak, violated the principle of fairness.

Yong defended Chong's actions, insisting that the Speaker should remain impartial and avoid bias. Asfia responded by urging the Speaker to act more respectfully and impartially, emphasizing the importance of fairness towards opposition members and steering clear of partiality in both decisions and arguments. Chong, who is also DAP Sarawak's president, was suspended from the DUN the previous day following a motion accusing him of misleading the House over the 2027 Sarawak budget documents and acting unprofessionally during the budget debate.

The motion also alleged that Chong used derogatory language and insulted fellow members, apart from making false claims against others.