In a recent session at Dewan Rakyat, RSN Rayer, Member of Parliament Jelutong, expressed concerns that a fellow Member of Parliament’s recent statement, quoting the name of Lee Kuan Yew, might adversely impact Malaysia-Singapore relations.
According to Rayer, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been engaging in meetings with Singaporean leaders over the past few months to explore economic opportunities for Malaysia. However, he questioned whether the statement by the MP could affect trade between the two nations.
During the debate, Siti Mastura Muhammad, Member of parliament Kepala Batas invoked parliamentary rules, claiming that Rayer’s remarks were making malicious assumptions about the unnamed Member of Parliament.
“Standing order…standing order. A member is not allowed to make malicious assumptions about any other member. I request Jelutong to retract that statement. I have given my explanation, and there is no decision yet. So I request Jelutong to withdraw that statement,” said Mastura.
In response, Rayer stated, “I did not mention any names. Don’t assume, please sit down. Sit! Siapa makan cili, dia rasa pedas. Sit! I didn’t mention Kepala Batas. I stood up because I am aware that business between Malaysia and Singapore is crucial.”
However, Mastura interjected with a question: “Does what Jelutong mentioned earlier relate to what was discussed?” “Members are looking… does this qualify as a debate by a quality, senior Member of Parliament? Is this what is shown to the public?,” she asked.
Rayer then responded, “It is indeed relevant. Read the SME Corp details. Read first. I touched on the details of 020500 Small and Medium Enterprise Corporation Malaysia. Read the news about Members of Parliament. Don’t be ignorant,” before continuing his debate.
On November 10, media reported that DAP Chairman Lim Guan Eng initiated legal action against Siti Mastura, alleging that she falsely claimed a familial connection with communist leader Chin Peng (Ong Boon Hua) and Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew. Guan Eng had given her a two-day deadline, which expired last Thursday, to provide evidence for her claims before initiating legal proceedings.
Picture from New Malaysia Herald
