{
  "id": 14980404,
  "title": "Don’t be both MP and assemblyman, says Sarawak speaker",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/dont-be-both-mp-and-assemblyman-says-sarawak-speaker",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T14:43:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/16/don-t-be-both-mp-and-assemblyman-says-sarawak-speaker"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sarawak state assembly speaker Asfia Awang Nassar has stated that assemblymen should not double as MPs. This came after the suspension of opposition leader Chong Chieng Jen from the state assembly. The controversy erupted after Pending assemblyman Violet Yong of DAP criticized Asfia for allowing proceedings against Chong to go ahead, even though she knew Chong was present in the Dewan Rakyat for a parliamentary matter. Asfia clarified that the speaker must follow a specific procedure to exempt Chong, which must be submitted in writing through the secretary. However, Chong alleged that Asfia allowed the motions against him despite his presence in the Dewan Rakyat, which he claimed violated the principle of natural justice. Yong, in turn, argued that it was not Asfia's right to declare Chong as absent, as she did not know the reason for his absence and should not accuse him of choosing to be absent. Chong, who is also the Sarawak DAP chief, faced suspension from the state assembly following a motion alleging that he misled the assembly regarding the 2027 budget document and behaved improperly during its debate.",
  "summary": "In a row over opposition leader Chong Chieng Jen, speaker Asfia Awang Nassar said politicians should not hold both elected posts at the same time if they did not have the time.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Don’t be both MP and assemblyman, says Sarawak speaker",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/dont-be-both-mp-and-assemblyman-says-sarawak-speaker-14982435",
        "published": "2026-10-16T14:43:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}