Assemblywoman’s punch claim ignites war of words in Sabah legislature - Borneo Post Online (2025)

KOTA KINABALU (Apr 15): Kunak assemblywoman Datuk Norazlinah Arif exchanged heated words with her former party members and other assemblymen when she raised the issue of being punched by an assemblyman while leaving the State Legislative Assembly building in November last year.

She was reminded by Merotai assemblyman Sarifuddin Hata that the incident was not relevant to the government’s policy speech that was delivered by Head of State Tun Musa Aman during the opening of the State Assembly sitting on April 10.

“Standing Order 43(1) of the Sabah State Assembly states that a member’s observations should be confined to the subject under discussion, and they may not introduce irrelevant matters and the incident she mentioned is not in the policy speech,” Sarifuddin said.

Lamag assemblyman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said Norzalinah should have made a police report on the incident and obtained a medical report.

When the Kunak assemblywoman replied that she had done both, Bung Moktar said that she should have submitted the reports to the State Assembly.

“Don’t seek popularity Yang Berhormat, where is the police report? Submit it to the August House … to the State Assembly Speaker,” he said.

Sarifuddin also added that Norazlinah should have lodged a police report on the incident.

“I know she has lodged a police report and the police have contacted me. But the police said that she only lodged a report and does not want to take any action,” he said.

The heated exchange started after Norazlinah, in her debate speech, said, “I also stand here today with a sense of disappointment and deep sorrow. This August House, which is supposed to be a place for civil and respectful debate, has been tainted by an incident that should never have happened.

“The incident that happened to me, being punched on the shoulder during the previous sitting is a completely inappropriate and unacceptable act,” she said.

Sarifuddin said, “This is not about ‘who eats the chili feels the heat’. I was contacted by the police. I agree with the Yang Berhormat for Lamag, if there is a case, file a police report. A medical report too. I was contacted by the police, but the police said Yang Berhormat Kunak did not want to take the appropriate action. I’m waiting for this to be brought to court so I can defend my name.

“My name was not mentioned, yet I am the only one being accused of punching. If it’s true, let the court decide. I can defend myself in court. But if it is just talk, creating all kinds of perceptions … This is not about creating drama,” he said.

State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya instructed Norazlinah to submit a complaint to the State Assembly according to the Standing Orders regarding the incident.

“I have asked her to submit a complaint following the Standing Orders. So if her complaint contains correct or incorrect evidence, we will take appropriate action. I have asked her to file a report. If the report is not accurate, I will ask her to withdraw it,” he said.