KUALA LUMPUR: It was inaccurate for Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli to attribute the drastic rise in government spending to the former Perikatan Nasional government, says Pendang MP Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim after being ejected from the Dewan Rakyat.
Awang claimed he had to “correct” Rafizi’s speech because it was peppered with slander and lies.
“I had to correct him. A minister’s winding-up is a two-way communication and if it isn’t correct, we will interrupt. Even the Speaker is bound by House rules.
“We cannot allow such people to continue hurling slanders and lies,” said Awang when met at the Parliament lobby on Wednesday (March 8).
Awang claimed that the massive government debt came about during the former Pakatan Harapan’s 22-month government, which recorded a RM1.078 trillion debt.
“So, he (Rafizi) has to give a breakdown on how the government spending has risen so drastically,” added Awang.
Awang alleged that Rafizi lacked understanding of parliamentary rules and his responsibilities as the Economy Minister.
“That is why when he was saying provocative things and untrue facts, I had to stand up to give him a ‘lesson’ to be learned so he will focus on economic plans by the unity government.”
Awang also accused Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul of being emotional when presiding over the Parliament meeting earlier.
“The Speaker was emotional. It should’ve been enough when he suspended me for two days. I will exit (the House),” said Awang.
Earlier, the Pendang MP was ejected from the House.
Awang also appeared unfazed over the two-day suspension given to him, beginning Wednesday (March 8).
“Next Monday (March 13), I’m coming back to Parliament... Not a problem,” said Awang.
Awang also said that he was the first MP to be ejected from the Dewan Rakyat in the current Parliament meeting.
“The previous session was worse. When they were the Opposition, they had no respect towards the Speaker,” added Awang.
Meanwhile, several Perikatan Nasional MPs also held press conferences at the Parliament lobby due to Awang’s ejection.
Kubang Kerian MP Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said that Rafizi had repeatedly mentioned Awang’s name numerous times in his speech, which triggered the Pendang MP’s response.
“It was unfair that Pendang was not allowed to respond. The minister should focus on what is raised by MPs in their debates,” said Tuan Ibrahim during the press conference.
Tuan Ibrahim also said Rafizi had given inaccurate data about funding for projects in Perikatan state such as Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Perlis.
“The Speaker promised to check the Hansard and we will see what the Speaker says on Thursday (March 9). God-willing,” added Tuan Ibrahim.
Earlier Wednesday (March 8), Rafizi’s speech was repeatedly interrupted by Awang and several Perikatan MPs.
It saw heated exchanges after Rafizi called Awang a “clown”, which eventually resulted in Johari, who was visibly angry, to eject the Pendang MP from the House.
