Sarawak Second Finance Minister Wong Soon Koh, who moved the motion for the suspension on Monday, said this today.
The fund in question, called the Minor Rural Project (MRP), was tabled last year.
Chong had on Monday raised questions in the assembly regarding some RM250 million of the fund which he said was unaccounted for.
Wong’s motion to suspend Chong for the rest of the session under Standing Order 40(4) was seconded by Deputy Chief Minister Abang Johari Abang Openg and approved by Speaker Awang Asfia Awang Nasar.
“You cannot make irresponsible accusations or allegations that are not substantiated. He accused the chief minister of misleading the House. And he even insinuated that money was being stashed away and so on.
“That is a very, very serious statement,” Wong told reporters at the Sarawak assembly today.
“The Speaker made the right decision and he has to be suspended for the rest of the session. His remarks and allegations constitute contempt of the House.
“It violates the privileges of the ‘Ahli Yang Berhormat’ (elected representatives) of the House. It cannot be allowed.”
Asked whether Chong’s suspension was harsh, Wong said the Speaker acted within the legal requirements and Chong had violated Standing Order 32 by imputing improper motives to the government.
“It is within the provisions. But he (Chong), maybe, just wants to be a hero.
“I know time and again, I’ve been labelled the ‘Motion King’ but there’s nothing much we can do.
“Maybe it is their tactic to get popularity and gain political mileage through this sort of behaviour.
“They may be seen by some as martyrs, (as) people who have been oppressed and suppressed. (But) according to the Westminster (parliamentary) model, the minority has to follow the majority,” said Wong.
The Standing Orders require that after the Speaker makes a ruling and names an elected representative, the latter is requested to withdraw the remarks that the Speaker thinks is conduct unbecoming in the assembly or remarks that impute improper motives to any members.
Upon his or her refusal, the elected representative can be suspended after a motion by a state minister.