All wound up: War of words in Sabah assembly over chance to query minister

KOTA KINABALU: A war of words broke out between Sabah assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Ahmad Abdul Rahman and Opposition representatives who felt they were not given a chance to ask important questions during the winding-up session here on Wednesday (May 24).

The disagreement started shortly after state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew ended her winding-up speech on the motion of thanks on the state government policy speech delivered by the Head of State.

Liew, who had earlier given way to Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Senallang) to ask his questions, had said she would allow questions by other assemblymen if they let her deliver her speech first.

After Liew finished her speech, Calvin Chong (Warisan-Elopura), one of those who tried to ask questions earlier, then stood up to pose his queries but the Deputy Speaker said the minister had already finished her speech.

This left the Opposition assemblymen stumped, with Shafie reminding Ahmad that Liew had promised to answer their queries.

Following this, Ahmad responded by saying that the minister would answer their questions in due time, before notifying Liew that she could do so in writing at her discretion.

At this juncture, a number of Opposition lawmakers were already standing up to voice their frustrations, with Sarifuddin Hata (Warisan-Merotai) saying they were only given limited time in the debate session to raise issues.

“And now during the winding-up session, we are not given a chance to ask questions,” he said.

Assaffal Alian (Warisan-Tungku) agreed with him, saying Liew should have at least listened to their questions and decide whether or not to reply later.

The Deputy Speaker and Opposition lawmakers continued to exchange words, talking over each other until Ahmad said: "Please (keep calm), you were former ministers so you should understand.”

Chong interjected, asking what was the point of attending the sitting if they could not ask questions.

Ahmad then invited the next minister to deliver his winding-up speech but Sarifuddin would not let the matter go, saying it was disappointing.

Ahmad then reprimanded the assemblymen, saying they were not giving due respect to the august House by talking over him.

The verbal exchange went on for some five more minutes before Ahmad cut off Sarifuddin’s microphone.

Mohd Shafie then cited Article 25 of the Standing Orders of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, saying the Speaker must guide a debate or question-and-answer session for the benefit of the state assembly.

“She (Liew) has a right whether or not to answer (the questions) but if she promised (to allow questions later) then she should deliver on that.

“These issues are important to be made known to the public,” he said.

Ahmad then thanked Mohd Shafie for reading the standing orders and called on the next ministry to wind up.