Elected representatives attended DUN Sitting

Elected representatives swear allegiance

Posted on June 21, 2011, Tuesday


SHARING LIGHT MOMENT: Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (seated right) and his deputy Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu (seated left) having light moment with Bukit Sari reps Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan before taking his oath before the Speaker Dato Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar. — Bernama photo

SEVENTY-one elected representatives stood up before the Speaker Dato Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and swore to serve the state and the people who elected them.

It was the first ever swearing-in ceremony at the new State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building.

Out of the total, 22 are new DUN members.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud (BN-Balingian) was the first to be sworn in, followed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu (BN-Layar).

Next were Tan Sri Dr James Masing (BN-Baleh), Tan Sri William Mawan (BN-Pakan), Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg (BN-Satok), Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem (BN-Tanjung Datu), Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh (BN-Bawang Assan), Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong (BN-Tebedu) and Datin Fatimah Abdullah (BN-Dalat).

Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan (BN-Bukit Sari) was the 23rd to be sworn in immediately after arrival from an overseas trip.

Wong Ho Leng (DAP-Bukit Assek) was the first of the opposition party to be sworn in, followed by long-time Kidurong DAP assemblyman Chiew Chiu Sing, who recited his oath with a flair that made people sit up and listen.

After him came Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Kota Sentosa), Violet Yong Wui Wui (DAP-Pending), Ting Tze Fui (DAP-Meradong), Pakatan Rakyat state liaison chief Baru Bian (PKR-Ba’ Kelalan), Dr Wong Hua Seh (DAP-Repok) and Ling Sie Kiong (DAP-Piasau).

Pelagus (Independent) George Lagong was the 69th to be sworn in.

A handful of representatives who didn’t have a Bible to swear by had to be reminded to lift up their right hand when reciting their oath.

One or two forgot to insert their name into the oath, while several more stumbled over unfamiliar formal terms.

DAP’s Batu Kawa assemblywoman Christina Chiew breezed through her oath like she had already memorised it from hearing it 61 times before her turn, while the tall Wong Kin Wei (DAP-Padungan) had to smile when he came to the stand only to find the microphone pointing at his stomach.

Nearly all representatives came with their spouses and family members to witness a significant moment in their political career.

Also present were new DUN secretary Supian Tarmizi Mohd Tazuddin and deputy secretary Pele Peter Tinggom.

The DUN sitting will run from June 20 to 29.