CONGRATULATIONS: Mohd Asfia Awang Nasar (right) congratulating Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh after the swearing-in ceremony yesterday for winning in the just concluded state polls.
KUCHING: The next State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting should be held not later than Aug 16 this year, said Speaker Dato Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.
“The next sitting should be held within 120 days. Some interpret it from the date of the dissolution (of the DUN) and some interpret it from the date of polling but any way it must be within 120 days,” he said.
He told reporters this when met after the swearing-in of re-appointed ministers at the new DUN building yesterday.
Earlier, Asfia clarified that he would still be the Speaker despite not being an elected member of DUN.
He said that the Speakers of Sarawak and Sabah were different from the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat.
“The speakers of Sarawak and Sabah are not elected. They are appointed by the respective governors according to their term. So, whether they are elected YBs (honourable members) or not do not affect the tenure of their office.
“He remains as Speaker even when the Dewan is dissolved or even if he was not contesting in the election.”
Therefore, Asfia said he would still be the DUN Speaker until his current term expires in November next year.
On whether he would be “more balanced” in handling the sitting since he is now not an elected member of the House, Asfia replied: “The Speaker is neutral but still tilting towards the government of the day”.