Mild pandemonium erupts in Dewan Rakyat Over Kelantan allegations

A TENSE exchange erupted in the Dewan Rakyat today, leading Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim (PN-Pendang) to decide to "take a rest" from the sitting after the heated debate over allegations involving the Kelantan state government.

The dispute ignited when Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka), while debating the Media Council Bill, referred to the Kelantan state government as "cruel."

He cited a Malaysiakini report that highlighted illegal mining activities on Orang Asli customary land and accused the Kelantan state government of oppressing the indigenous community and neglecting their health.

"Congratulations to the media for uncovering such incidents. Without their efforts, we would not have known the extent of the Kelantan state government's cruelty," the New Straits Times cited Khoo saying during his speech.

In response, Awang stood up to demand that Khoo retract the term "cruel," arguing that no police investigation had been conducted into the allegations.

He further suggested that certain DAP leaders might be involved in the issue.

RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) then interjected, questioning why DAP had to be brought into the matter, which was related to the Kelantan state government. – February 26, 2025