Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong was ordered to leave the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Tuesday after calling Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin a “political coward”.
The action was taken during the 19th Sarawak DUN sitting after Lee invoked the Standing Orders against Yong, who is also the Sarawak DAP organisational secretary.
Lee described the remark as a personal insult that was inappropriate in the legislative chamber and showed disrespect towards the dignity of the institution.
Sarawak DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar agreed that the term was insulting, improper and rude before ordering Yong to leave the chamber.
The incident stemmed from an exchange on Monday, when Yong called Lee a “political coward” and a “cheap skate” while interrupting the minister’s winding-up speech.
Yong was protesting against Lee’s comments on arguments raised by Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen concerning the proposed construction of a new Kuching International Airport (NKIA) and other strategic infrastructure projects.
Chong, who chairs Sarawak DAP, was not present in the chamber after being suspended from attending the DUN sitting from October 15 until Tuesday, October 21.
Lee explained that Chong’s suspension was not his personal decision but one made collectively by 62 assemblymen.
However, Yong refused to withdraw her “coward” remark despite Lee asking her to do so, leading to the disciplinary action in the state assembly.
