The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly today disqualified Dr Ting Tiong Choon as the DAP assemblyman for Pujut by citing his alleged Australian citizenship, thus necessitating a state by-election.
Speaker Datuk Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar decided on the disqualification, arguably the first such case in Malaysia, after Sarawak Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh tabled a motion calling for Dr Ting''s disqualification.
Wong stated that the DAP assemblyman had Australian citizenship which he renounced on April 4, 2016, just three weeks before the state election.
He also said that Dr Ting had been declared a bankrupt twice in Australia based on the Australian Financial Security Authority, on June 24, 2012, and on September 11, 2012.
He said Dr Ting was an Australian citizen and also a registered Australian voter.
He said all these had breached Article 17(1) (G) of the Sarawak Constitution and that by virtue of these offences, Dr Ting was unfit to be a member of the august house and should be disqualified as he had pledged allegiance to another country.
Wong said the DAP, in its haste to get an electoral candidate for the seat, had not done a background search and now it had to regret the decision.
The motion sparked a fierce exchange of words between Mohamad Asfia and Wong and Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Cheng Jen and Dr Ting.
When the matter was put to a vote, 70 assemblymen voted in favour while 10, from DAP and PKR, voted against.
The disqualification will see a by-election for the mixed urban seat in Miri.
Speaking to reporters later, Chong said the DAP would study the legal aspects of the disqualification to see if it could be challenged in a court of law, adding that it was no easy matter to challenge such a decision.
He said the assembly should have respected the decision of the Miri Election Court which had ruled against it.
"Basically, such a decision is about interpreting the State Constitution and this job has to be done by the Court.
"This is a very sad day for the state and the country. This is a travesty of justice and even the so-called evidence produced is weak and will not be accepted by the Court," he said.
Dr Ting described the decision as undemocratic, especially to Pujut voters, but said it would not tarnish DAP's reputation in the constituency.
In the state election held in May last year, Dr Ting, who received his training as a doctor in Australia, polled 8,899 votes to win the seat, beating his Barisan Nasional opponent Hii King Chiong, who garnered 7,140 votes; PAS candidate Jofri Jaraiee, who obtained 513 votes and an independent candidate Fong Pau Teck, who received 375 votes.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, when approached, said it was now up to the Speaker of the Assembly to inform the Election Commission that the seat had become vacant.
"Then, it is up to the commission to decide. At the same time, the DAP can choose to challenge the decision in Court. They can file an injunction against the by-election," he said. -- Bernama
Bernama
Fri May 12 2017
Speaker Datuk Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar says Dr Ting (pix) was an Australian citizen and also a registered Australian voter. - Facebook photo
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.