ATTEMPTS by Sarawak DAP representatives to raise queries on alleged hefty financial spending on overseas trips by state ministers and the Premier were shot down by State Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.
The Speaker rejected the motion raised by Violet Yong (pic) who is DAP state assemblywoman for Pending and a similar motion by Chong Chien Jen who is the DAP ADUN for Padungan today.
Asfia ruled that the motion raised was “prejudicial to the interests of the assembly proceedings and against public interest".
He said "the millions spent on these overseas travels are trivial compared to the multi billions earned by Sarawak".
"These overseas travels are vital. They attract billions in investments to Sarawak," he said.
The DAP reps had tried to seek details on the financial spendings of Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and state cabinet ministers during their overseas trips.
Asfia said the trips by Johari and state ministers to Europe and the middle east countries were crucial.
"These ground visits are crucial as there are important negotiations involved.
"Such things cannot be done online," he said.
Yong's attempts to seek a written breakdown on the overseas trips by Johari and state ministers were also rejected. – May 26, 2025
