Bintulu MP’s apology to health DG insincere, must be done in Dewan: Rayer

KUALA LUMPUR – “Insincere” is what Pakatan Harapan’s R.S.N. Rayer has to say about the apology by Sarawak MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing over his “takut mati” (afraid of dying) remark against the health director-general.

In the Dewan Rakyat today, Rayer (PH-Jelutong) demanded that Tiong (GPS-Bintulu) issue a formal apology to Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

During his debate last Wednesday, Tiong caused a stir when he accused Dr Noor Hisham of fearing death, citing the latter’s refusal to go to the ground to help Covid-19 frontliners.

The lawmaker also said Dr Noor Hisham appeared more concerned about being in the news via his daily press conference, adding that this was the sentiment of the frontliners he had spoken to.

Rayer referred to Standing Order 36(9), which states that parliamentary debates cannot refer to the behaviour or nature of any MP or civil servant, except with regard to their duties.

He also pointed to Standing Order 36(12), which states that any MP who confuses the Dewan Rakyat will be cited for being insulting, and can be referred to the relevant special committee.

“The Bintulu MP apologised outside because he didn’t want to disrupt Dewan proceedings. The apology was not sincere and should be done in the Dewan because his insult was made there.

“Also, it was not a smart decision to kick out MPs for defending Dr Noor Hisham.”

Deputy Speaker Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon told Rayer to submit a written motion to the speaker’s office.

The parliamentarian replied that he had done so on Thursday, requesting that Tiong issue a formal apology in the House and that the ruling for Rayer himself to be removed from Parliament be withdrawn.

On November 11, a heated exchange between Rayer and Tiong resulted in the PH man’s suspension from the Dewan Rakyat, following a ruling by Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

The next day saw Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng removed from the chamber by Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun after the lawmaker slammed Azalina’s ruling as “stupid”. – The Vibes, November 16, 2020