KUCHING: There were no inconsistencies in the three speeches made by Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing that misled the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) as alleged by Batu Lintang State Assemblyman, See Chee How recently.
This was affirmed by DUN Speaker, Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar during a press conference at the DUN Media Room here yesterday.
According to Asfia, he had received an application for Leave and Notice dated 24 August 2018 from See Chee How, whereby the notes sought to refer Masing, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure Development and Transportation, to the Committee of Privileges.
“The said notice alleged that Masing had breached the privileges of this DUN under Standing Order 73, whereby Masing had made three speeches and all of different versions on the Second Trunk Road Project. In short, there are three versions on the Second Trunk Road.
“The first speech was recorded in the DUN’s Hansard dated 16 November 2017. The second speech was contained in the Hansard dated 17 July 2018, and the third speech was in an interview with the Dayak Daily on 21 August 2018.
“After perusing through the three speeches and studying carefully the Second Trunk Road Project, I am of the considered view that no breach of Privilege had been committed by Masing.
“The subject matter, namely the Second Trunk Road Project and all the details mentioned in the three speeches are substantially, fundamentally and materially the same.
“There are neither inconsistencies nor contradictions in the three speeches made as recorded in the Hansards stated just now,” said Asfia.
He also said that in all two speeches and interview there were neither recklessness nor negligence committed.
“Masing had committed none of these and See Chee How had not proven that Masing had been reckless and/or negligence,
“Under Standing Order 32 (12): Any member who makes any statement in the Dewan that deliberately misleads the Dewan is deemed to be out of order or to be in contempt.
“The proviso of Standing Order 73 (3) reads: Provided that no matter shall be referred to the Committee of Privileges under subparagraph (a) or (b) unless the Speaker is satisfied that the matter complained of affects the privileges of the Dewan and has been raised at the earliest opportunity,
“As such, Masing shall not be referred to the Committee of Privileges,” he disclosed.
