Arrogance Of The Sarawak BN & How The Opposition Is Bullied In The Sarawak State Assembly

DUN Diary - Day 5

Posted by Wong Ho Leng on November 07, 2008 at 18:10:31:

From Sarawak Talk

DUN Diary: Day 5

A Motion will be moved by Soon Koh to refer me to the Committee of Privileges coming Monday. I was elected to represent my constituents. I was sworn in to serve not only my constituency, Bukit Assek, but also the whole of Sarawak. RM900 million had been proposed in the Supplementary Supply Bill tabled by Soon Koh. I questioned it, and action will be taken against me. God Bless Sarawak.

(1) Question time

Did they say that the Dewan will be less boisterous with Chong suspended until the end of the session? Well, it was a wrong assumption. It looked like the BN folks were so afraid about the Opposition raising supplementary questions that they, the BN members, would exhaust the 2 Supplementary Questions. 12 questions were answered orally due to the number of Supplementary Questions from the members. All other 50 questions lapsed under the Standing Orders.

(2) Rude Shock

We were at the Dewan 10 minutes early. As we chatted, we were surprised when seeing notice of a Ministerial Motion was being placed on our tables. It looked like an innocent Motion but my 6th sense told me that something was amiss. The Motion was to be tabled by Soon Koh and it reads:

“THIS DEWAN hereby resolves that to maintain proper decorum in this Dewan and for the smooth and expeditious dispatch of its Business and the discharge of its duties, all Honourable Members shall abide strictly with the Standing Orders of the Dewan and accord due respect to all rulings and decision of the Speaker.”

(3) Soon Koh’s Motion Hijacked by Voon

Voon was not amused by the Motion. Taking a cue from the BN, he typed out a little amendment and converted the Motion as his own. I called this “hijack”. Voon showed me his hijacking Motion outside the Dewan after I chanced to meet Datuk Pattingi Dr Wong Soon Kai at the Dewan Lobby. He had come to the Dewan with the Sarawak Golf Club committee.

I would actually disapprove the hijack, but because Voon had prepared it, I would let him object to the Motion, as it could be a message to the BN that what they had done to my 3 previous Motions, we could too. Call this giving the BN a taste of their medicine.

(4) Government Business

The Motion by the Minister is a Government business. As soon as the oral question time was up, the Motion was called for debate. The speeches by the remaining 16 members on the Supply (2009) Bill 2008 had to wait.

There was nothing much in the Motion tabled by Soon Koh. As Honourable Members of the Dewan, it is expected that we would uphold its decorum. We are also expected to accord due respect to the rulings of the Speaker. We objected merely because it was unnecessary.

However, as I had expected, there was an agenda in the Motion that was not glaring on its face, and that was the agenda to get me. I knew this because it was reported in the press on Tuesday that both Finance Ministers (CM and Soon Koh) had taken great offence to my using the word “camouflage” while debating and demanding for details to the RM900 million to be contributed to the Statutory Funds via the Supplementary Supply Bill.

Sylvester Entri seconded the Motion. This Assistant Minister talked so much about observing decorum of the Dewan, yet he and other BN backbenchers had disturbed the Opposition bench so much over the past 2 years. Once, he was extremely rude to me when I urged him not to call an Opposition member (Dominique) a “dog”.

Words such as dogs, frogs, bullshit, jangan jurang ajar, kurang ajar etc had been uttered by the BN front and backbenchers in the Dewan against Opposition members. I had never allowed myself to utter those words or to answer back.

If the BN wanted the Members to give due respect to the rulings of the Speaker, then they should too. But it has never been the law that the Speaker’s rulings are unimpeachable. Bona fide comments on the rulings, not calculated to ridicule the Speaker, are always allowed, in the same manner as we criticized judgments of the courts.

The BN wanted proper decorum in the House, but have they observed decorum?

It was a “holier than thou” Motion. At least an Assistant Minister (to protect him, name is withheld) suggested to me that this is so. I absolutely agreed.

In the course of my speech, I asked why the member for Asajaya (Abdul Karim) could utter “kurang ajar” on me, 3 times. Sebuyau (Julaihi Narawi) worked in tandem with Asajaya. Both of them used the word “bullshit” while I was delivering my speech on the Budget. I did not provoke them.

Yet these 2 spoke about decorum to be observed in the Dewan as if they are saints.

Despite hearing all these rude and unparliamentary words, the Speaker did not admonish these 2 BN members. To be fair, he did order 3 times that Asajaya should withdraw the word, but it could only be described as a half hearted effort. He never ordered the 2 to withdraw “bullshit”.

Is uttering “kurang ajar” and “bullshit” Parliamentary under any circumstances, provocation included?

The Speaker should have insisted their withdrawal if he had meant it. On the other hand, the Speaker ordered me to withdraw the word “Young Man” which I used on Assistant Minister Larry Sng, and only then would he order Asajaya to withdraw “kurang ajar”.

Since when has “Young Man” become so obnoxious and unparliamentary a language that it had to be withdrawn as a condition to ordering withdrawal of “kurang ajar”?

On the other hand, “bullshit” remains intact!

The Member for Asajaya is the BN Backbenchers Club Chairman. He had uttered “kurang ajar” and “jangan kurang ajar” many times. How could he set a good example for his members? How could he debate on supporting Soon Koh’s Motion, and offering explanation that he said it because he was provoked into saying it?

No matter what provocation from the Opposition, and there was none on Asajaya and Sebuyau, what justified the repeated utterances of “kurang ajar” and “bullshit” in the august House? What justified Asajaya’s rude physical gesture in thumping the table? Would provocation make the usage of unparliamentary words Parliamentary?

If anyone should talk about observing decorum, why should he not observe decorum first before talking like saints?

The whole fiasco was an utter disgrace! It was beyond me that Soon Koh had the audacity to move such a Motion. In moving it, Soon Koh said that recent utterances in the Dewan had made the Motion necessary.

Yes, there were rude and unparliamentary utterances in this meeting. But they were made by the BN members!

I said in my speech that I would not use the same words back in reply. Is that my reward for observing decorum?

I said to the Speaker that when one finger is pointing at others, 3 or 4 fingers are pointing at yourselves. The BN never seemed to know that they are the transgressors, accusers, Judge and executioners.

With Chong out for the time being, we have now only 6 genuine Opposition members (5 DAP and 1 PKR). Even BN Ministers and Assistant Ministers joined in the fray to interrupt my speech, and the speeches made by Violet, Tze Fui and Dominique. How could our voice be louder than they? Interruption pertains to decorum! Is it easier to control 6 of us or the 60 plus from the BN bench?

In my speech to move Chin Sing as Senator, even the Speaker asked me, quite wrongly, whether my voice could be louder than the BN’s! In the course of my speech introducing Chin Sing’s resume, the backbenchers uttered “we know” to the resume of Chin Sing. Under the Standing Orders, they were supposed to listen silently.

In her speech, Violet was interrupted so much that she stopped short of plucking her ears but went full steam reading out her text. The disturbance was, in any event, so phenomenal, that she finished 3 only of her 9 issues.

In her speech, Tze Fui was disturbed so much by the BN front and backbenchers that she had to yell to them to be gentleman when a lady speaks. She even had to tell off the arrogant Jabu to not interrupt but to speak whatever he wanted, and sing whatever he wanted in his Ministerial reply, where he could take his unlimited time.

When I spoke yesterday, being the 2nd day of the debate and the first time that I did not anchor for my Party, I was disturbed so much and so relentlessly that I was able to finish 2 out of 6 issues that I had prepared.

When Vincent Goh (SUPP - Pelawan) was speaking in the afternoon, singing truck loads of praises to Soon Koh, while at the same time complaining so much about development in his constituency, I had stood to request for “penjelasan”. He did not give way. I did not pursue further or make noise, much that I wanted to tell him how inconsistent his speech was, and how good an apple polisher he was.

When Snowden Lawan (PBB - Balai Ringin) spoke on an issue that had concluded, I invoked Standing Orders 32(3) which prohibited reopening. He refused to give me the floor. I did not pursue further, though I felt that the Speaker should have been quicker upon my raising a Point of Order and make a ruling, instead of waiting for a while, and then said “he is on a different subject matter now”. But I let it by and listened attentively.

None of my 4 other members interrupted the BN members so far in their speeches.

So, talking about observing decorum, it was not us who had fallen short.

The BN marked us out in a divide and rule tactic. When Chin Sing delivered his speech yesterday afternoon, there was not a single noise from the BN front and backbenchers. Had Chin Sing been such an exemplary YB from the DAP that he was left to his peace? Of course, Chin Sing, being a mature and seasoned politician, knew that BN divide and rule tactic. Remember, this is the very same Chin Sing who in Nov 2005 was referred to the Privileges Committee for speaking out against the UCS on issue concerning “China Doll”. Who moved the Motion? Soon Koh!

Those who uttered “kurang ajar” were spared. Those who uttered “bullshit” were spared. They were even allowed to put on record that they would use the same tactics in the future if provoked. Their justification is hence “provocation”. If provocation is such a magical excuse, would they be provoked to jump into the lake?

Soon Koh said he would give me till Tuesday to withdraw the word “camouflage” that I used in debating the Supplementary Supply Bill or face privilege Motion. He also challenged me to repeat the word outside the Dewan so that the Government may take Court action against me.

I was so flattered by those challenges. As if Soon Koh can dictate terms. I am elected by the people, not him, to speak in the Dewan, and why should I see what his face colour is?

However, why wait till Tuesday, I asked. You have the numbers! Remove, if you had to. Yes, you have the numbers, but where is your conscience?

When I responded that I would not withdraw the word “camouflage”, the Speaker told Soon Koh that he may move the Motion by Monday.

Which Standing Orders have I transgressed? Soon Koh said Standing Order 32(6). If that be the case, then the privilege that I breached must have been that I had imputed improper motive on a member or make an allegation against a member which I could not substantiate.

By using the word “camouflage” and suggesting that the Government must provide details of the RM900 million contributions to the Statutory Fund, what sin and crime had I committed?

The only ground for referring me to the Privileges Committee for breach of privilege is when I used treasonable and seditious word. There is only one provision for this and that is Standing Order 32(10). Is “camouflage” a treasonable or seditious word?

If my using the word “camouflage” was so offensive, why did it take so long for Soon Koh and the CM to complain to the Dewan? They heard every word I said since they were sitting right in front of me.

My conscience is clear. The people know who were the transgressors. That is the only reason why I would not allow myself to be cowed by predators.

The BN said the minority is oppressing the majority. I wonder whether they know what they are saying or where their brains are.

Has it not been written somewhere, God makes a man mad before allowing him to perish?

I will take on the fight like a soldier. I have not only my office as an elected wakil rakyat to protect, but I also have to protect the dignity of the Dewan. Ironic, isn’t it?

(5) Continuation of Debate

The Motion on decorum finished at 4p.m. The BN folks had preferred to spend hours and hours of the people’s time to debate on a meaningless Motion. Yet, 16 members had yet to present their speeches.

The Speaker apologized after saying that each of these members would be given 10 minutes to present their speeches. To the BN, it has no problem. They would sing the same tune of praises to themselves. But poor Voon, he has to dump 2/3 of his speech. The state Government has denied justice to him and his constituents.

(6) Home Sweet Home

I left the Dewan in protest. I was unlucky, as my flight home was delayed for more than 3 hours. As I was about to pack my 2 baggage into the taxi at 10pm at the Sibu Airport, I saw Soon Koh’s Black Mercedes 320 SEL QSG 9 moving forward. I wondered why this Minister had to go all out against me. I thought I was emotional when I told myself that I wanted to see to it that this is his last term in Bawang Assan. I know that this is the wish of the people.

I remember the occasion that I was required to rush back in November 2006 to prepare materials for an anticipated Motion against Chong for relating the SUPP to communists in the 1970’s. That Motion did not materialize. But for this Motion on Monday, no preparation is needed. My conscience stands tall and unconquered. Can the BN say likewise?

7/11/2008


Privileges Committee Hearing - Background
Posted by Wong Ho Leng on December 10, 2008 at 12:06:45:

From Sarawak Talk.

Privileges Committee Hearing - Background

Many have asked for details. They want to know. That is a good sign.

The Dewan Undangan Negeri Privileges Committee will hear witness/evidence on my alleged breach of privileges on Friday, 12th December, 2008.

What was the alleged breach that was complained of against me? To start with, it has to do with the Supplementary Supply (2008) Bill 2008. I was the only one taking part in the debate. In the course of my debate, I raised query about the sum of RM900 million that was sought to be authorized out of the Consolidated Fund for the service of the year 2008 for contributions to Statutory Funds. The total Supplementary Supply (2008) Bill 2008 comprised RM921,517,361. In the course of my impromptu speech, I used the word “camouflage”. That word was the sting of the complaint.

In total violation, in my view, of my right to speak without fear or favour as an elected representative of the people of Sarawak, a motion was moved to refer me to the Privileges Committee, on ground that I had breached the privileges of the Dewan. The following is from the 10.11.2008 Hansard, verbatim – word for word, interruption by interruption. I had, however, underlined the parts why Dominique and I were sent out. This will give you some food for thoughts how an Opposition operates in the Dewan:

Tuan Speaker: Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat, I have received a notice of Ministerial Motion dated 10th November, 2008 under Standing Order 23(1)(a) read with Standing Order 73(3)(a) from the Minister for Finance II and Minister for Environment and Public Health, Honourable Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh; giving notice that he intends to move a motion to refer the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek to the Committee of Privileges. I called upon the Honourable Minister to table his motion.

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Alam Sekitar dan Kesihatan Awam (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Thank you, Tuan Speaker. Pursuing to Standing Order 23(1)(a) read with Standing Order 73(3)(a), I would like to move the following motion to refer the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek to the Committee of Privileges. This is my motion:

Whereas on the 3rd day of November, 2008, being the first day of the Second Meeting of the Third Session of this Dewan, the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek, during proceedings of the Committee of the whole House to consider, inter alia, Command Paper No. 5 of 2008 together with Supplementary Supply (2008) Bill, 2008, uttered the following words on three occasions:- One, I quote from the Hansard,

“…it will be very irresponsible of a Minister to ask this Dewan to rubberstamp without debate or amendment with a huge sum being camouflaged in the Supplementary Supply Bill…” as appeared on page 8 of the Hansard dated 3rd November 2008; Two,

“Do not hide a fact. RM900 million is camouflaged…” as appeared on page 8 of the Hansard; and

“Do not hide them just because it is a Supplementary Supply, don’t seen it, it is possible to hide them, camouflaging it” as appeared on page 9 of the Hansard.”

Whereas by the said words the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek has imputed into the Honourable Member for Finance II and Honourable Member for Bukit Assek an improper motive…(Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: for Bawang Assan.

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Alam Sekitar dan Kesihatan Awam (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Honourable Member for Bawang Assan an improper motive to conceal or hide the expenditure item of RM900 million for which approval of the Dewan is sought, so as to deceive the Dewan into approving the expenditure item.

Whereas by the use of the said words, the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek has committed a breach of privilege by violating Standing Order 32 (6) or the Dewan’s Standing Orders.

And, Whereas despite various opportunities being accorded to the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek to withdraw the words complained of, he has stated he would not do so.

And whereas the Speaker has, on the 7th day of November 2008, directed that in the circumstances, a motion be moved in this Dewan to refer the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek to the Committee of Privileges.

Wherefore I hereby move that the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek be referred to the Committee of Privileges so that the Committee can investigate into the matter and make the report to the Dewan for such action as the Dewan may deem fit to take against the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek. Sekian, thank you.

Menteri Muda Kemudahan Awam dan Menteri Muda Kemajuan Tanah(Y.B. Encik Sylvester Entri anak Muran): Tuan Speaker, I beg to second.

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Bukit Assek.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: I will clarify a few things first, Tuan Speaker. Referring to the motion, the penultimate paragraph, can I take it that this motion is at the behest of Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker: You read the motion as it is.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: That is my question now.

Tuan Speaker: Ya, ya.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: The motion in the event that the Minister is to move a motion, he must do so in his own volition and not as directed by Tuan Speaker. You have no power to direct a Minister to table a motion against a Member. That is the reason why I am asking for clarification first. Was this very motion tabled at the directive, at the prompting and at the behest of Tuan Speaker? If that is not the case, the penultimate paragraph ought not to be there. It is improper, it suggests that Tuan Speaker, you are the, “mastermind”, the culprit, the one who engineers it… (Booing)

Tuan Speaker: No, no, you withdraw the word.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: No.

Tuan Speaker: You withdraw the word.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker, let me explain to you.

Tuan Speaker: It was debated on Friday.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: That’s right.

Tuan Speaker: You wanted it there and then.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: That’s right.

Tuan Speaker: The Minister wanted it on Tuesday.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: That’s right.

Tuan Speaker: I propose it today.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Now, you propose to the Honourable Minister that it could be moved today but the penultimate paragraph says what? It was you, Tuan Speaker, you directed that this motion be tabled, Tuan Speaker, come on, you must be honest about it. Can we have it on record that it was not you who directed the motion?

Tuan Speaker: It was a continuation of the debate on Friday. As I stated just now, you can move to another point.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Alright.

Tuan Speaker: I reply to that.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Now, Tuan Speaker, is it your opinion that this motion has satisfies the threshold?

Tuan Speaker: You submit on it.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Alright. Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker: Go on.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: The threshold to move this motion is, it must be, seems it concerns the matter of privilege, it must be moved at the earliest opportunity. Tuan Speaker, you, yourself have to be satisfied, that it satisfied that threshold. My speech was made in this august House on the 3rd of November. Today, I am sure, Tuan Speaker, you agree with me, today is the 10th of November, a week has passed. Alright, you may say that a suggestion was made and the matter was raised on Friday but Friday was on the 7th. Does this motion satisfy the threshold? A fundamental question that must be answered. That is the law, Tuan Speaker. And it is for you to satisfy that threshold. It’s not for Honourable Member for Bawang Assan or any other member in this august House to say I want to move a motion. Without first, Tuan Speaker, you, your very self, being satisfied, that it satisfied and complies with that very threshold.

On the matter concerning privilege, is very different from a matter concerning an attempt to ridicule this House, its very different. The threshold is very earliest opportunity. Now, let me elaborate on two fronts. On the very first front, I was addressing this Supplementary Supply Bill on the morning of the 3rd November. When I addressed the issue, I saw all members of the cabinets there, including Member for Bawang Assan being Finance Minister II, and I also saw the Honourable Chief Minister being Finance Minister seated there too and all other members. Everybody heard what I said, nobody complained that it was out of order to use that word under any of the Standing Orders. Nobody complained at all. That shows what? The word was neither insulting nor offensive, nor unparliamentary nor against any of the provisions of the Standing Orders. Now, the conscience must be clear, nobody raised any issue out of it. That is the first front.

The second front is I don’t know when but it was reported in the Borneo Post that Honourable Member for Bawang Assan said, we leave off, Tuan Speaker, if I may? Honourable Member for Bawang Assan, of course in the very meeting, very sitting on the first day of the Dewan said, “I was totally ignorant of the Budgetary process”. Whatever he said, never mind, I won’t take him as my teacher. Now, I declined that.

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Alam Sekitar dan Kesihatan Awam (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Point of order, point of order.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Point of order, under what Standing Order?

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Alam Sekitar dan Kesihatan Awam (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Point of order, Tuan Speaker.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: What order, what Standing Order?

Menteri Kewangan II dan Menteri Alam Sekitar dan Kesihatan Awam (Y.B. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh): Point of order, Tuan Speaker.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker, can you… (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: No, you bring your point to your conclusion because the arguments, I don’t want any arguments on Friday to be repeated, no repetition.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: You mean I have to conclude now?

Tuan Speaker: Just on the point you mentioned, the proviso of 73(3). That’s all, now, you submit on that.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: That is the point I am trying to make now. That is the point I am trying to make now.

Tuan Speaker: You submit on that.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: On 3rd of November, that was Monday because it was reported on the 4th November issue of the Borneo Post, Honourable Member for Bawang Assan said this, “Wong pointed out that any money taken out for development from the State Statutory Funds would still need the approval of the august House, I would check the Hansard and if he (Ho Leng) had not withdrawn the word camouflaged, I will let the House take action against him, he said.” That was on Monday otherwise it could not be reported on Tuesday, that is common sense. Now, did the Honourable Minister check the Hansard on the second day, that being Tuesday and said the word “camouflage” was there? In fact, it appeared three times and did the Honourable Minister bring this matter out to the attention of Tuan Speaker, at its earliest opportunity under Standing Order 73(3)(c). That is the very point. Has that threshold been satisfied? You could not say, you could not say that you were aware of the usage of the word “camouflage” on Monday. And yet, after saying that you will be checking on the Hansard, you slept on it, committing a matter of contumelies delay, truncated and then say, look I am complaining today. In other words, before I addressed the very issue of privilege being committed, a less privilege being committed, let this be decided by Tuan Speaker, by you alone. Whether and not by any other Member, whether you, yourself are satisfied that that threshold is satisfied.

Before I address further…(Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: No, only on this. Because, otherwise it would be repetition of what you said on Friday.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: No, no, of what?

Tuan Speaker: You proceed to the next point, if you have any.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Have you satisfied? Otherwise it is a waste of time.

Tuan Speaker: I will give my ruling as soon as you finished.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Goodness, you should be satisfied first.

Tuan Speaker: As soon as you finished, I will give my ruling. Please.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: That is not fair, is it? That is not right too, Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker: You move to the next point, if any. I will make my ruling whether it should be put to the vote or not.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: You want me to proceed without having a ruling first?

Tuan Speaker: I will give my ruling.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Alright. Now, on the issue of privilege, Tuan Speaker, an allegation was made that I breached it. It was said, it was breached under Standing Order 32 (6) that imputing improper motive to Honourable Member for Bawang Assan as the Minister for Finance II.

Tuan Speaker: That is the first limb of 32 (6). The second limb is making allegation that has to be substantiated.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Allegation of a member which must be substantiated.

Tuan Speaker: Standing Order 32 (6).

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker, unfortunately the second limb does not concern this motion, does it? Can we go to the motion first?

Tuan Speaker: You have read the motion, you move to the next point.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Alright, it seems, Tuan Speaker, you wish it to be alerted, you asked me to read the motion. I read the motion, right, one, two, three, four, five. The sixth paragraph to show the second limb is irrelevant for this motion. “Whereas for the said word, the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek has imputed onto the Honourable Minister for Finance II and the Honourable Member for Bawang Assan, an improper motive to conceal or hide an expenditure item of RM900 million for which approval of the Dewan is sought, so as to deceive this Dewan into approving that expenditure item.

In others, Tuan Speaker, with all due respect to you, the second limb is irrelevant. And you would like me not to address on that I am sure.

Tuan Speaker: Your choice.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker, you said it is under Standing Order 32(6) second limb. Only first limb concerns us. How can you say my choice?

Tuan Speaker: You refer … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: When I address the issue, you say I am going out of it.

Tuan Speaker: You make your submission.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Alright, that shows how fair the matter is in this august House.

Tuan Speaker: You make your submission.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: When I said that is irrelevant, you said that is under second limb. When I move it to you, when I alert it to you, that it is not under the motion at all, you said, look you submit on it, it is your choice. Tuan Speaker, with all … (Interruption).

Tuan Speaker: I will make my ruling. Don’t worry. I make my ruling.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: With all due respect to you, that is not fair.

Tuan Speaker: I make my ruling.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: That is not fair.

Tuan Speaker: No, order.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Now the Supplementary Supply concern the matter of appropriating … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: No, no, that one I have given my ruling, Standing Orders 67(4), 66(4), no details being divulged, no need to go to that.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Let me assure you that I am not going to the details. Don’t pre-empt that Tuan Speaker, don’t anticipate that. Now, let me assure you, the moment I go into it, you can ask me to sit down. Now, the Supplementary Supply says this, the Bill says this, can I read, Tuan Speaker, “the issue is authorized out of the consolidated fund for the service of the year 2008 of a sum not exceeding RM921,517,361 for expenditure on the various services specified in the Schedule hereto” and Tuan Speaker, please listen attentively on this “not provided for or not fully provided for by the Supply (2008), Ordinance 2008.” The Supplementary Supply in very simple language, is this. Money is not enough for that particular year, more money has to be appropriated into the account for 2008 year. Now in other words, the very … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: That’s not relevant.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: How could that be not relevant? There is the very foundation of my debate. Why did I say … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Have you got any more points?

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Of course I have.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Usahawan dan Menteri Muda Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber (Y.B. Tuan Haji Mohd. Naroden bin Haji Majais): Tuan Speaker, this one has already been explained by the Minister before.

Tuan Speaker: What is your other points?

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Usahawan dan Menteri Muda Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber (Y.B. Tuan Haji Mohd. Naroden bin Haji Majais): It has already been debated, been explained.

Tuan Speaker: That is not relevant. That’s not relevant.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Usahawan dan Menteri Muda Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber (Y.B. Tuan Haji Mohd. Naroden bin Haji Majais): Don’t waste our time.

Tuan Speaker: I rule. That’s not relevant.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: The Administration urges this august House to approve a sum of RM900 million, RM900 million and I used the word “camouflage” because the Administration is asking this august House to approve that sum of money, RM900 million, without stating for what purpose that money is.

Tuan Speaker: Okay, I have heard that argument on Friday.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: No, No, Tuan Speaker, you have not heard me.

Tuan Speaker: I have heard.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Why can’t you hear me out?

Tuan Speaker: Okay, I heard, I heard.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: The very office of my election is challenged in this august House. You mean you are not going to hear me out.

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi: Tuan Speaker, Bukit Assek is repeating what he had said on Friday.

Tuan Speaker: Alright, it is a repeat.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: No, no, I am not repeating, Tuan Speaker. How could … (Interruption)

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi: We have heard, we have heard what you said.

Tuan Speaker: You conclude your … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: No, no, Tuan Speaker, not yet. I have other issues to go into. The only word complained in this august House in this motion, is “camouflage”. When I said the sum of money was hidden, was being hidden, the word “hide” was not complained of. The only word was “camouflage” that was complained of. Can we say that that word is unparliamentary? Can you say that word is in violation of Standing Order 32 (10)? Is it treasonable? Is it seditious? Is it calculated? Is it a word calculated to promote ill feelings and ill-will? Under Standing Order, Tuan Speaker, you are the custodian of the Hansard, you are the custodian of the Standing Orders … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Member for Bukit Assek, I have heard you.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: You have not heard me.

Tuan Speaker: I now, I now. I am now asking you to sit down so that I can give my ruling.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: How can you ask me to sit down before I finish?

Tuan Speaker: No, no, okay. I am asking you to sit down. I am asking you to sit down.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: You are simply not fair.

Tuan Speaker: Please sit down.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: Come onlah.

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi: You have been given a chance to explain on Friday.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: This motion was tabled this morning. Whatever I said on Friday, I can read the statement … (Interruption)

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi: Don’t repeat yourself.

Tuan Speaker: I give my ruling.

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi: You are wasting our time.

Tuan Speaker: Sit down, sit down.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker, you have not heard me.

Tuan Speaker: I’ve heard.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: How can you be so unfair?

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: We have heard enough of Bukit Assek.

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Members … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, please listen to his defence, Tuan Speaker.

Tuan Speaker: This is my ruling.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, the right offered here, fair hearing is important to serve justice in this august House, Tuan Speaker. We should not rubberstamp this motion.

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi: You are the rubberstamp.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: I demand Padungan withdraw the word “rubberstamp”. Withdraw the word “rubberstamp”. We have agreed … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Order, order.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Do not rubberstamp.

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi: Padungan, sila tarik perkataan “rubberstamp”.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Order, order.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Just like what you say, jangan kurang ajar.

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi: Ambil tindakan kepada Padungan to withdraw.

Tuan Speaker: Okay, sit down, sit down. Everybody sit down.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: When you say kurang ajar, nothing happen to you. When I say it, it goes wrong.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: You are very rude, you know. You are very rude, Padungan.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: No, I am never rude.

Tuan Speaker: Sit down, sit down.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: Yes, you are very rude.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: You are ruder.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: Crude and rude.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker, is that the behaviour of … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: You are the worst. You are the one who said bullshit, didn’t you.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Honourable Assistant Minister is banging the table? The Honourable Assistant Minister is banging the table.

Tuan Speaker: Order, Honourable Members, please sit down.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I said do not rubberstamp. I said do not rubberstamp.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: Very misleading I tell you Padungan. You don’t mislead this august House.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I never mislead, you are the one twisting the word here now.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: You are a twister.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: You are the one who said jangan, bullshit, you said. You are the one who said bullshit.

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi: You are repeating the word again.

Tuan Speaker: Sit down. Alright Honourable Members, this is my ruling. Honourable Members, the matter was first raised at the earliest opportunity inside the Dewan and outside the Dewan on the 3rd November, 2008, the first day of sitting. The Honourable Minister for Finance II asked the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek to be disciplined by the Disciplinary Committee as shown at page 13, line nine from the top of the Hansard which I quote: “I think disciplinary action ought to be taken against him”. The matter was again raised by the Honourable Minister for Finance II to challenge the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek to withdraw the word “camouflage” on Friday, 7th November, 2008.

The motion is brought up today by the Honourable Minister in pursuant of the exchanges on Friday. The reason why this motion is tabled today is not because it was not raised at the earliest opportunity when it actually was but the Honourable Minister is gracious to give time to the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek to consider and ponder introspection whether to withdraw the matter or not. Since the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek had steadfastly refused to withdraw, I am satisfied that the provision of Standing Order 73 is complied with, namely … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: I am giving my ruling.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: No, No, I know.

Tuan Speaker: Out.

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi: Padungan, don’t kacau.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Are you reading from a prepared text? Are you reading a … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Padungan, out.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: Tuan Speaker, are you reading from a prepared text? Are you already given a judgement before you hear him.

Y.B. Encik Chiew Chiu Sing: Tuan Speaker, you cannot ask him to go out yet.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: Padungan, don’t question the Speaker.

Y.B. Encik Chiew Chiu Sing: Tuan Speaker, you should have at least give him a chance to speak before you ask him to go out.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: You already made up you mind before you hear, Tuan Speaker.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: Get out, get out.

Tuan Speaker: Out.

Y.B. Encik Dominique Ng Kim Ho: I am sure you … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker, does the matter raised by Padungan just like that … (Interruption) How can you do that?

Tuan Speaker: That the matter raised, the privilege of the Dewan and two it has been raised at the earliest opportunity. I therefore allow the motion to proceed for the votes to take place. (Applause)

Honourable Members, the question before the Dewan is that … (Interruption)

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker, before you proceed … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Honourable Members, the question before the Dewan is that the motion by the Minister for Finance II and Minister for Environment and Public Health, the Honourable Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh to refer the Honourable Member for Bukit Assek to the Committee of Privileges be approved.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker, under Standing Order 4 … (Interruption)

Motion is put and agreed to

Motion is passed

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker, point of order, point of order.

Tuan Speaker: I have given my ruling under Standing Order 33 (9), my decision is final. There is no appeal except there is a substantiative motion.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker, point of order.

Tuan Speaker: Proceed, Mr. Secretary. No more Point of Order.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Standing Order No. 4. Point of order, Tuan Speaker? Are you ignoring me? You were reading from prepared text, Tuan Speaker. Your answer was not impromptu, it was somebody who wrote it for you, is it not? Can you tell us?

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi: Bukit Assek, we have decided, sit down please.

Menteri Muda Pembangunan Usahawan dan Menteri Muda Perancangan dan Pengurusan Sumber (Y.B. Tuan Haji Mohd. Naroden bin Haji Majais): Bukit Assek, we are finished already. Decision already given.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Standing Order 4, Standing Order 4.

(It was here that I pointed out that the Speaker was reading his ruling from a text prewritten by someone but I don’t know why this was not recorded. The text was passed to him by the Dewan staff from the row behind me when I was addressing him. The words were written in red colour)

Tuan Speaker: That is an insult to the Chair. That is an insult to the Chair. Either you withdraw that or I send you out. Are you withdrawing?

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng:No.

Tuan Speaker: No, you are not. Okay, out.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker … (Interruption)

Tuan Speaker: Okay, out, out, out. This is my opinion. Nobody draft for me.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: You read it from a prepared text. I have not even raised it. My objection was raised after the motion was moved. Tuan Speaker, you should have given your impromptu answer, impromptu answer and not read out, somebody who prepared the text for you.

Tuan Speaker: Out.

Y.B. Encik Ranum anak Mina: If not handcuffed him.

Y.B. Dr. Abdul Rahman Junaidi: Bukit Assek, that is enough. We have heard you. That is enough, Bukit Assek.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Don’t touch me.

Tuan Speaker: You move out.

Y.B. Cik Violet Yong Wui Wui: Tuan Speaker, you have to be fair, Tuan Speaker.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: The Speaker has been fair. He has given all the chance.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Tuan Speaker, Standing Order 4 – violating.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: Bukit Assek, that is enough.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: Don’t touch me. I go out myself, I lost faith, I go out myself. I will go out myself.

Y.B. Tuan Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi: Bukit Assek, you are pointing finger. You are very rude.

Y.B. Encik Voon Lee Shan: Tuan Speaker, there are too many Speakers here.

Y.B. Encik Wong Ho Leng: I will walk out myself in protest. Let me get my things.

Tuan Speaker: Alright.