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By Mihar Dias (C) Copyright October 2023
Ah, Malaysian parliamentary sessions – where political drama unfolds like a never-ending sitcom.
In a recent episode, Datuk Awang Hashim from Pendang-PN had his moment in the spotlight, and boy, did he make it memorable.
It all started innocently enough when a motion by Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari was approved for debate, much to the chagrin of opposition lawmakers, especially Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim. He wondered aloud why his own motions were still waiting for a green light.
Awang, always ready with a quip, chimed in with "anak papa" (father's son), insinuating some favoritism due to Taufiq's family ties.
Cue the uproar!
Government MPs were not amused and demanded that Awang withdraw his comment.
But Awang, ever the comedian, shrugged it off by saying, "I didn't mean anything. Everyone is anak papa, even I myself am one. Why is (Taufiq) offended?"
Well, who can argue with such logic, right?
Even the attempts by PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man to restore peace were thwarted. R.S.N Rayer insisted that Awang follow Deputy Speaker Alice Lau's orders to retract his statement.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin played along with Awang's comedy act, arguing that a "conflict of interest" indeed existed.
Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad made a cameo appearance, trying to explain that conflicts of interest only occur if the motions in question were on the same topic, but who needs logic when you have "anak papa" jokes to enjoy?
After a series of unsuccessful attempts to get Awang to take back his words, Deputy Speaker Lau finally took a page from the director's handbook and ordered Awang to exit stage left.
Perhaps Awang will return for the afternoon session with a fresh set of jokes.
Stay tuned for more parliamentary sitcom antics! They'll help cheer you up!
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