Dewan Rakyat proceedings come to temporary halt as Opposition MP refers to Umno as ‘celaka’

KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat proceedings came to a temporary halt when an Opposition MP questioned Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s recent statement that more Perikatan Nasional MPs would pledge support for the government.

While the Rural and Regional Development Minister was winding up Budget 2024 debates at the committee level, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) interjected, questioning the issue of education and principles.

“When you spoke about transforming minds (in your winding up speech), does someone who changes principles also relate to transforming minds?

“Just like when you said that more (from the Opposition) will go to the other side?

“Were they taught wrongly?” he asked in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 9).

This was in reference to Ahmad Zahid telling reporters earlier Thursday that more Opposition MPs would soon pledge support for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s administration.

Shahidan later said RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) had previously called Umno “damned (celaka)” and had yet to apologise.

“Are you going to let him be this way or change him?” he asked.

Rayer then cited the Standing Order, asking Shahidan to retract his statement and apologise.

“You were from Umno yourself. Now, you want to say this about Umno?

“Are you not embarrassed?” Rayer said.

Shahidan explained that he did not call Umno “celaka” but was merely quoting Rayer’s previous statement.

“I did not say it. He (Rayer) said it and did not apologise,” Shahidan said, adding that he could not say such a thing to Umno.

“Umno will join us (Opposition) soon,” he added.

Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor then ruled for Shahidan to retract his statement.

“You said it. If it’s said outside the House, I don’t bother.

“In the House, however, the speaker determines the ruling.

“Even though you quoted Jelutong as saying it, you were the one who mentioned it,” Ramli said.

Shahidan then retracted his statement while continuing to defend himself.

Earlier, Shahidan also filed a special motion to debate the four Bersatu MPs who declared support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Shahidan said he was concerned that allocations were being used to entice Opposition MPs to support Anwar.