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By Mihar Dias November 2024
Nothing says “good governance” quite like the Dewan Rakyat transforming into the set of a reality show, where parliamentary decorum plays second fiddle to a good old-fashioned showdown.
In the latest episode of Dewan Drama, starring Tourism Minister Tiong King Sing and Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsuddin, things got heated enough to make even the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) blush. This wasn’t your typical Q&A—it was practically a cage match.
So, what triggered the showdown?
Our Masjid Tanah MP decided she’d had enough of Tiong’s “read it later” routine, pressing him to answer her question now. You’d think the Minister might lean into his eloquence, but no—Tiong instead dusted off a schoolyard classic, snapping, “Want to fight? Meet me outside!”
Ah, yes, the verbal equivalent of “see you after class”—straight from the halls of teenage drama to the hallowed halls of Parliament.
This quick exchange checked all the boxes for a top-tier parliamentary blooper: theatrical displays of bravado, a noticeable battle with basic reading, and the surreal sight of a minister publicly issuing a duel challenge to a female MP.
Online, Malaysians couldn't help but roast the spectacle. Tiong’s reading style, some said, was like a brave attempt at translating ancient hieroglyphics on the spot rather than following a script.
But let’s be honest—who needs Netflix when Dewan Rakyat is in session?
The Tourism Ministry might consider charging admission for these sessions. Another ready made Tourism event starring Minister of Tourism himself!
There’s more thrill in watching live parliamentary spats than in any scripted drama. And in the Dewan Rakyat, apparently, “relax” is the most dangerous word you can utter—just a notch below “fight me.”
So, the moral of the story? Next time, skip the speeches and bring the popcorn. And maybe—just maybe—Tiong will be sporting boxing gloves for his next appearance.
Mihar Dias is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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