Why issue statements only to retract it after backlash? Takiyuddin asks govt leaders

KUALA LUMPUR: The august House saw a tense moment when Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) questioned why several government leaders issued offensive statements despite knowing that it will trigger public backlash due to sensitivities.

Takiyuddin gave an example of DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, who told Malaysian students in Manchester, UK in November last year, that he hoped it would not take long for Malaysia to appoint a non-Malay prime minister.

The Opposition chief whip pointed out that despite public backlash, Lim chose to defend his remarks on Dec 13 last year by saying that he was merely stating a fact from the Federal Constitution that non-Malays could become prime minister.

“The same leader, three days later, issued the same statement on Dec 16 last year, saying that it is not impossible for a non-Malay to be prime minister.

“What is the purpose of raising an issue that touches on sensitivities in society?” questioned Takiyuddin.

RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) then stood up in protest, saying that Takiyuddin had confused the august House with his remarks.

“History shows that on Aug 3, 1973, Tun VT Sambanthan was a prime minister for a day.

“What was mentioned by Lim had indeed happened in history. So I’m asking Kota Bharu not to confuse the house by issuing incorrect statements,” said Rayer.

On Dec 19, Lim had said he agreed that Malaysia would only have a non-Malay prime minister when Malays, who were the majority, were ready to accept one.

Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who was presiding over the session, told Takiyuddin to continue his speech despite Rayer’s protest.

Takiyuddin then raised an incident on Dec 17 last year where Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) urged Putrajaya to start local council elections in Kuala Lumpur.

According to Takiyuddin, Section 15 of the Local Government Act 1976 had stated that provisions relating to local government elections had ceased to have effect.

“So, I want a clear answer from the government, what is the stance on local council elections? Is this still the government’s agenda?” asked Takiyuddin.

Takiyuddin then zeroed in on Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (PH-Beruas), who on Dec 28 last year, said a non-Muslim legal expert should be part of the special committee studying the functions of the Syariah Court.

Ngeh had retracted his statement and apologised over his suggestions to strengthen the syariah court system on Dec 31 last year.

Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) then stood up and urged Takiyuddin to retract his remarks because it allegedly misled the august House.

“Kampar, you are the confused one here. You sit down-lah,” said Takiyuddin.

“What is the need to make a statement, only to retract it later. This is confusing,” added Takiyuddin.

Shortly after, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) stood up and cited Rayer and Chong under Standing Order 37(2) for allegedly disrupting Parliamentary proceedings.

In response, Rayer argued that it was Takiyuddin that misled the august House, saying that aside from Sambanthan, Tun Lim Liong Sik was also briefly a prime minister from Feb 4, 1988 to Feb 16, 1988.

Johari then intervened, reminding MPs that he was presiding the parliamentary proceedings and Takiyuddin did not mislead the august House, as he was merely asking a question.

Takiyuddin then corrected Rayer over his remarks.

“Facts have shown that Sambanthan and Ling were acting prime ministers and not prime ministers,” said Takiyuddin.

Rayer then attempted to argue that acting prime ministers were considered as prime ministers, but he was swiftly stopped by Johari, who invited Datuk Wetrom Bahanda (KDM-Kota Marudu) to deliver his speech on the motion of thanks to the royal address.

Ling had served briefly as the acting prime minister from Feb 4 to Feb 16, 1988, while Sambanthan had served as the acting prime minister on Aug 3, 1973.