The suspension of Chong Chieng Jen from the current sitting of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly has become a major political talking point. But beyond the headlines, the public should understand how parliamentary democracy works—and how political theatre can sometimes shape public perception.

According to reports, Chong Chieng Jen was suspended because he was absent from a DUN sitting without prior notification to the Secretary of the DUN, as he had to attend Parliament. The matter did not concern the purchase of a jet or any criticism of the GPS Government. Chong and Violet Yong reportedly wished to raise these matters in the Assembly.

Politics is often about numbers. Even if Chong could defend himself and argue that his absence was justified, GPS backbenchers would still be expected to follow the party whip and vote for his suspension. They cannot vote according to their conscience. This is the reality of parliamentary democracy: government backbenchers are generally expected to support the position of their party. In such circumstances, even if Chong believed he was right or the public believed he was right, the numbers in the Assembly would likely determine the outcome.

Chong is a seasoned politician. He understands that he does not command a majority in the Legislative Assembly, and he also understands how to use parliamentary events to draw public attention to himself and DAP. This is not unusual in politics. Opposition parties often use parliamentary procedures, disputes and public debates to highlight their cause—particularly when elections are approaching and their political position appears weak. This is the strategy that opposition political parties used to employ to win votes—by playing victims.

This is not to say that Chong and Violet are wrong to challenge the government or to raise issues affecting the people. Every opposition party has the right to question the government, defend its position, and seek public support. But voters should be able to distinguish between a genuine parliamentary issue and a carefully staged political drama.

The Speaker also has questions to answer. A Speaker is expected to apply the Standing Orders fairly, consistently, and firmly. If the Speaker wished to explain the suspension, he should have referred clearly to the relevant Standing Orders and the facts of the case—not merely to social media posts and Facebook. By failing to do so, the Speaker may have allowed others to frame the issue as victimisation rather than as a procedural matter.

The public may have been led to believe that Chong and Violet were heroes who were being victimised. But voters should look beyond the drama and examine the rules, the procedure, and the facts. The Speaker’s handling of the matter appears to have played into the hands of those seeking attention, rather than strengthening public confidence in the Assembly.

Chong Chieng Jen has been suspended from the Sarawak DUN on previous occasions, including a one-year suspension in 2019 [Source: Sarawak Tribune dated 1 May, 2019] DUN suspends Padungan assemblyman for one year and the current suspension in 2026. His repeated suspensions show that he is no stranger to disciplinary action in the Assembly.

His experience in parliamentary politics is well known. If Violet had sought to play the role of a hero, the impact might not have been as effective as the drama created through Chong’s suspension.

The lesson for voters is clear: do not be misled by slogans, social media posts or political theatre. In a parliamentary democracy, numbers, procedure and strategy matter. Opposition parties will use every opportunity to gain attention, especially when elections are near. The public must learn to distinguish between a genuine defence of democracy and a drama designed to win sympathy and votes.

Voters should support honest and sincere politicians who genuinely fight for their interests—not those who rely on political drama, which does little to improve the lives of the people.

Do not simply blame Chong and Violet. The Speaker, who forgot or failed to apply the Standing Orders properly, must also bear responsibility for allowing the drama to unfold.

VOON LEE SHAN
President, Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK)
20 October, 2026