TODAY marks the start of ministerial winding-up speeches at the current State Legislative Assembly sitting, where ministers are expected to respond to issues raised in the august House.
Based on the Order of the Day, there are nine ministries scheduled to present winding-up speeches today, starting with the Ministry of Welfare, Women and Family Development.
This will be followed by Resource Planning and Environment Ministry, Public Utilities Ministry, Industrial Development Ministry, Infrastructure Development and Communications Ministry, Tourism Ministry, Housing Ministry, Social Development Ministry and finally Local Government and Community Development Ministry.
The other ministries and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem will present their winding-up speeches tomorrow.
Meanwhile, yesterday saw the final question-and-answer session for this session and the last batch of backbenchers presenting their debates on motions of thanks on Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s opening address.
Among the memorable moments was the friendly banter between Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Kota Sentosa) and Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar as they shared their opinions on the Iban language.
Chong said he was impressed with George Lagong (Ind-Pelagus), who debated in Iban last week, although he could not understand much about what was said, and he compared it to another Iban speech by Snowdan Lawan (BN-Balai Ringin).
Labelling the language as beautiful, he called on the government to allocate more funds to preserve the language.
Chong and Asfia also exchanged views on the metaphoric Iban expressions with Asfia heard uttering in Iban: Sebedau Aku Pulai ke Penuduk Diri’ to excuse oneself before sitting down.
Abdullah Saidol (BN-Semop) also lit up the DUN in the morning in his speech by saying that the government must intensify electricity supply in his constituency so that people in Semop would be able to watch Manchester United beat Liverpool on live telecast.
Abdullah also held up a packet of locally produced seafood snacks when raising an issue in his constituency. His gesture invited Deputy Speaker Datuk Roland Sagah to ask him whether he would like to share the snacks with members of the House.
Other members who participated in the debate were Abu Seman Jahwie (BN-Jemoreng), Aidel Lariwoo (BN-Sadong Jaya), Ali Biju (PKR-Krian), Malcolm Mussen Lamoh (BN-Batang Ai) and Ricky@Mohammad Razi Sitam (BN-Saribas) in the morning, followed by Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (BN-Pantai Damai), Wong King Wei (DAP-Padungan), Alexander Vincent (BN-Ngemah), Dennis Ngau (BN- Telang Usan), Fong Pau Teck (Pujut), Ripin Lamat (Lambir), Chong (Kota sentosa) and Dr Annuar Rapa’ee (Nangka).
During the afternoon debate, Sagah, who sat in for Asfia, stopped Wong from continuing his speech after he exceeded the 15-minute limit.