Speaker to propose more DUN sittings
The state legislature of Sarawak is the oldest and largest now at 82 which is not far from our national parliament which has 222. Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, DUN speaker
KUCHING: State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) sittings in the future may be held more than twice a year as the number of elected representatives has increased from 71 to 82.
DUN speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar is of the opinion that it was timely to hold more DUN sittings in a year considering that the state legislature is the oldest and largest with 82 lawmakers.
“This ( DUN sitting) will be our first meeting after the recently held State Election. At the moment, we are still using the usual practice but later on it may be suggested for the cabinet to reconsider.
“The state legislature of Sarawak is the oldest and largest now at 82 which is not far from our national parliament which has 222,” he told a press conference after attending the BN pre- council meeting which was chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem at PBB headquarters here yesterday.
Asked if he would propose more DUN sittings to be held, Asfia said he would but the decision lies with the cabinet.
He said that the first sitting of the 18th DUN which will be held from tomorrow to June 15 will be more time constraint as it coincides with Ramadan.
“The swearing in of elected representatives will be held on June 7 and their names will be called according to the seating arrangement,” he said, adding that partyless elected representatives would be seated based on their seniority and the positions they hold.
On June 8, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will deliver his address, which will be followed by debates as well as Q& A session.
“There will only be two days of debate this sitting and I have to restrict the length of the speeches by the honorable members because it’s only two days. But priority will be given to those who deliver maiden speeches,” Asfia said.
Meanwhile, he also pointed out that three motions will be tabled at this DUN sitting, two of which was filed by Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How and the other by Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen.
“Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How’s first motion is seeking to resolve and affirm our determination to uphold the territorial integrity of Sarawak while the second motion is to seek the state government’s commitment to resolve and mitigate flash floods in Kuching city.
“The third motion from Kota Sentosa assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen seeks to resolve that the state government of Sarawak do without undue delay, proceed with its demand and negotiation with the federal government on the devolution of powers,” he revealed.
In addition to the three motions, the Supplmentary Supply ( 2015) Bill 2016 will be tabled by Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh at the nine- day DUN sitting.
Asfia also noted that a total of 334 questions comprising 269 oral questions and 65 written questions will be submitted during the sitting.
“The total number of questions received as of the closing date on May 20 was 336 questions from 44 honourable members with the Chief Minister’s Office receiving the highest number of questions at 55.
“Two questions, one being an oral question and the other written were rejected,” he said.
He added that two annual reports and financial statements as well as four command papers will also be laid on the table during the sitting.