KUCHING: Discipline, fairness, and mutual respect among elected representatives must continue to be strengthened to ensure the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) remains a legislative institution of integrity, authority, and public trust.

Balingian Assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi said that these principles form the core of his support for the motion addressing misconduct and improper behavior within the Sarawak DUN.

According to him, every elected representative bears the responsibility to safeguard the dignity of the august House, which has been entrusted by the people as a platform to deliberate public interests, formulate policies, and champion state wellbeing.

“Therefore, every Honourable Member is responsible for maintaining the authority of the Assembly through speech and actions that reflect maturity as public representatives.

“Differing views are part of the democratic process. However, those differences must be conveyed responsibly and decorously, free from personal attacks, insults, threats, or actions that could disrupt proceedings,” he said in a media statement on Thursday.

Abdul Yakub emphasised that freedom of speech within the House must always be balanced with responsibility and adherence to Standing Orders, regardless of status or political affiliation.

“Freedom of speech must go hand-in-hand with responsibility. No one should consider themselves above the rules of the House,” he said.

He explained that compliance with rules is not intended to restrict free speech, but rather to ensure that every elected representative can participate in debates fairly, maturely, and orderly.

“However, action taken against misconduct should not be viewed as an attempt to stifle legitimate criticism or limit constructive dissent during sittings.

“On the contrary, rules are necessary to guarantee that all Honourable Members have a fair space to express their views in an orderly and respectful environment,” he added.

He also stressed that robust and opposing debates still hold a place in democratic practice, provided they are conducted prudently while respecting the authority of the Speaker and the institution of the Assembly.

Accordingly, he said, any disciplinary action against misconduct must be implemented consistently, fairly, and equitably without bias toward an elected representative's position or political leaning.

“No Honourable Member should be above the rules, and at the same time, no one should be treated unfairly. The principles of accountability, justice, and equality must apply to all,” he said.

At the same time, Abdul Yakub called on all elected representatives, from both the government and opposition, to continue prioritizing a culture of constructive debate and putting the people's interests first.

He added that differences in political stances should not compromise the shared responsibility to uphold the authority of the Sarawak DUN as an institution reflecting democratic maturity and the aspirations of the state's populace. — UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim