A SHOUTING match broke out between Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan MPs when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN- Pagoh) was giving his speech during the debate on Budget 2024.
Muhyiddin was speaking about subsides when Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) interjected and asked about the whereabouts of the former prime minister’s son-in-law sought by the authorities in an investigation.
“Pagoh (Muhyiddin) had doubts that the savings from subsidies will reach the people. Why Pagoh has doubts? Wasn’t Pagoh prudent when he was prime minister?” he added.
Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) then stood up and demanded the Pakatan MP to retract his accusation against Muhyiddin.
Muhyiddin then told Khoo to retract his statement, which he regarded as malicious and was not related to the debate.
When Deputy Speaker Alice Lau ordered Khoo to retract his remarks, RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) then asked Lau to order Shahidan to retract his statement as well.
Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) said this was the second time Khoo had made such a statement, adding that warnings were not issued. A shouting match then broke out among the MPs.
Lau ordered Khoo to retract his statement as it was not related to the debate. However, Khoo refused, saying that he wanted to explain his stand on the matter.
While MPs exchanged barbs, Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) was heard telling Khoo not to act like a “Zionist”.
Lau scolded Awang for making the remark and ordered the three MPs to retract their respective statements.
Awang retracted his statement.
Lau also ordered Khoo to leave the House and return after the lunch break.
The whole commotion lasted for more than 20 minutes.
She also warned the MPs that she might not allow interjections by the MPs during debates.
Lau then told Muhyiddin to wrap up his speech.
