Kota Kinabalu: A heated exchange broke out during the State Assembly sitting Tuesday between Kuamut Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah and Merotai Assemblyman Sarifuddin Hata over respect and rules in the Assembly.
It unfolded when Masiung, while debating the Government’s policy speech, spoke about how another politician had likened fellow lawmakers to animals.
“Yesterday, the Speaker reminded all members of this House to use facts and avoid sensitive language that may offend others when debating. “Yet yesterday, some members used derogatory terms, even likening us to [meowing sounds]. As I said, this is the highest institution. Pet animals do not belong here.
However, out of respect, I refrain from demanding my colleague from Lamag to retract his words,” he said.
At this juncture, Merotai stood up and pointed out that Kuamut broke the rules, too.
“You talk about respect, but yesterday, you interrupted without standing up and seeking permission first,” he said. “We have rules. Members must stand up before intervening. YB Kuamut rightfully called this a dignified place, yet he bypassed rules,” said Merotai.
Masiung shot back, acknowledging that interruptions were common, but none degraded others as animals.
“YB Merotai often interrupts too, yet those he interrupts are not called animals,” he said. Merotai countered, demanding that Kuamut retract the word “often interrupts”.
Deputy Speaker Datuk Al-Hambra Juhar stepped in, urging Merotai to calm down before Kuamut resumed his speech.
Masiung redirected his speech to praise the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, pointing out two key successes, student flight subsidies and SMJ affordable housing.
“The RM600 one-off aid for Sabahan students in Peninsular Malaysia has eased festive-season travel burdens.
“This is also the first time Sabah consistently allocated 40 SMJ housing units annually,” he said, though he urged a review of rural construction costs due to logistical challenges.
He also backed increased development expenditure under the 13th Malaysia Plan and pointed out Kuamut’s needs.
“We need road upgrades from Pinangah to Inarad, currently, villagers rely on boats to get from one point to another.
“I also want to know updates on the construction progress of the Land and Survey Department office in my constituency and updates on the delayed projects, including the Tongod Sports Complex and bridge constructions,” he said.
