SUPP president Dr Sim Kui Kian, a first-time assembly member, had contrasted the behaviour of assembly members with the “decorous” nature of the Dewan Negara, of which he was a member for two years.

Sarawak DAP leader Chong Chieng Jen responded in a statement by saying that “we are not like the SUPP elected representatives who can only say ‘Yes’ to the Chief Minister”. He said: “They do not dare to say ‘No’ and do not dare to criticise (the chief minister).”

Chong, who is an MP as well as assemblyman for Kota Sentosa, said the Barisan Nasional must be reminded that the state assembly was not a classroom for speeches and lectures but a place for debate entailing give and take where the government’s policies were subject to questioning and scrutiny.

He said the SUPP and BN want to turn the Sarawak state assembly into a forum where ministers speak and no one questions.

Chong also accused the Speaker of acting as a protector of the BN when questions were too difficult.

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