It all started when the PH MP from Kota Melaka Khoo Poay Tiong accused the Kelantan government of being “cruel” for purportedly neglecting the welfare of the Orang Asli community, because of something to do with an alleged iron ore mining operation in the state.
What is the issue with the mining operation?
Well, let us put that aside for now, because that is not what this article is about. This article is about what happened in the house after the Kota Melaka representative delivered his accusation.
Immediately, objections flew from the opposition MPs to the point that the speaker had to intervene to calm the situation.
“The investigation is not done yet,” said the Dewan Rakyat Speaker to the Kota Melaka MP, before requesting him to “please withdraw the word ‘cruel government’. Thank you.”
Did Johari’s use of the magic words please and thank you succeed in putting the commotion to rest?
Nope.
Disregarding the attempt of the speaker, the firebrand DAP MP from Jelutong jumped into the fray, and called out one of the agitating opposition MP, Awang Hashim from Pendang, for always blaming DAP unfairly for all the country’s problems.
“I want Pendang to withdraw his statement,” demanded Rayer, before goading the Pendang MP further, by saying “ He still hasn’t repented despite being kicked out many times.”
The goaded Awang did not disappoint Rayer. He returned fire on Rayer, by exclaiming “The country is in ruins because of DAP,” to condemn not only Rayer, but the entirety of the party that Rayer belonged to.
At this point, the Speaker Johari had enough.
Taking advantage of the fact that Awang Hashim of Pendang used to be his aide, he singled out Awang to unleash his frustration.
“Pendang, don’t cross that line. You can’t say the country is in ruins because of DAP. As MPs, all of you must use your brains when you speak,” he said.
At this point, I personally believe the Awang’s true grievance probably lied with the speaker, Johari, for picking on him and making him the loser in a quarrel that he did not start and many people were involved in, but what to do – he can’t possibly lash out at the speaker of the house who happened to be his former employer to boot – so he did the next best thing, which was to lash out at DAP yet again.
“DAP is anti-Islam,” Awang exclaimed to salvage his hurt pride.
Seeing an opportunity to go for a kill, Rayer demanded that Awang retract his statement once again, but before Awang could return fire, Johari again intervened and picked on Awang for the second time to bring the matter to a closure.
“I’m extremely disappointed with you, Pendang. Don’t be emotional. Speak like an intellectual. You are a graduate. You were my former officer. I hope you can behave.
“You’re from Kedah, just like me. It’s embarrassing for us. Please don’t get too emotional. This is your last warning from me,” Johari told Awang, and finally calmed the house down at Awang's expense.
I would like to end this note by stating the age of everyone involved in the commotion.
The speaker Johari Abdul is 69.
Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong is 54.
Jelutong MP RSN Rayer is 53.
Awang Hashim from Pendang is 60.
The average salary of our MP’s, by the way, is RM25,700 per month, which puts our MPs well above the T20 income group.
I just wanted to tell you all this, to let you know where our taxpayer money is going, and think for a moment about how our most esteemed representatives and lawmakers, conduct themselves in the most august house in the nation.
Before I leave you, I will also like to share with you a favourite quotation of mine.
“A donkey dressed in a suit is not a gentleman. It is just an ass with a delusion of standing.”
Thank you for your time.
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