KUALA LUMPUR: A war of words broke out between a government backbencher and an opposition MP after the latter mentioned the May 13 racial riots while criticising the 13th Malaysia Plan on grounds that it lacked initiatives for the Bumiputera community.
Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) questioned the government’s emphasis on New Villages, when debating the 13MP, tabled last Thursday.
He said while Perikatan Nasional had no issue with funds for New Villages, there was no specific development for the Bumiputera community.
“When we look back at the May 13 incident, one of the elements was economic pressure on the Bumiputeras. That’s why the 1MP to 13MP exist, to balance income and the economy among the races. But the 13MP has nothing specific for the Bumiputera community.
“Is the government trying to bring back another May 13 incident?”
This prompted RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) to cite Standing Order 36(9)(c), which prohibits statements that can provoke hostility or hurt the feelings of any race.
“Pendang is suggesting May 13 can happen again,” Rayer said, urging deputy speaker Alice Lau to make a ruling.
Awang denied making any provocative statement, saying such accusations were slanderous.
“I didn’t say what you claimed I did. That’s why even DAP people don’t accept you anymore – you lost the (party’s) central executive committee election,” he said.
Rayer replied: “We accept your point about Chinese New Villages, but why repeat that May 13 can happen again?”
Defending his comments, Awang said: “I quoted the point made by the prime minister, that the socio-economic level of New Villages will be strengthened through a development master plan. So, is it racist to mention that? If I say ‘Bumiputera’, is it racist? If I say ‘Chinese’, is it racist?”
Rayer continued to press for a ruling, but Lau said she “will let the minister respond”, likely alluding to the economy minister.
She said Rayer could submit a motion to the Speaker for further action. - FMT
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