KUCHING: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly has approved amendments to its Standing Orders to improve the governance of proceedings and prevent the misuse of social media.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the amendments aimed to ensure that allegations made in the House were substantiated and verified.
He said they were also critical for addressing the growing misuse of social media and press conferences by certain assemblymen to undermine or ridicule the authority of the Speaker's rulings.
"It is important that all deliberations and decisions of this House should be honoured and respected.
"Misrepresentation of anything that is said or transpired in this House, either to the press or the public, must be avoided," he said when moving a motion to amend the Standing Orders on Tuesday (Nov 12).
According to the amended Standing Orders, assemblymen may not use or refer to any information, allegation or comment, including those published in newspapers, online news portals, social media or online platforms, if they cannot verify its truth.
The amendments also prohibit assemblymen from ridiculing, disputing, showing contempt for or refusing to obey the Speaker's rulings.
Responding to Violet Yong's (DAP-Pending) concerns that the amendments would suppress the Opposition's voice, Abdul Karim said the Standing Orders were meant for all members, not the Opposition only.
"It is our responsibility to tell the truth when we are debating or having press conferences.
"Any change in the Standing Orders applies to each and every one of us," he said.
