KUALA LUMPUR – Barisan Nasional (BN) became the receiving end of ridicule by Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau-PN) as he made fun of BN remaining as opposition in the Selangor assembly despite being partners in the federal unity government.
During the committee-stage debate on Budget 2023 in Dewan Rakyat today, Shahidan said it should be Perikatan Nasional (PN) lawmakers in Selangor helming the state opposition.
Shahidan had taken the opportunity during his debate about Youth and Sports Ministry’s I-Lead programme, which aims at training youth leaders.
He said such programmes should train “disciplined” leaders, similar to opposition lawmakers who abide by decorum and ethics before taking potshots at his political rivals in Umno.
“In Selangor, I hear Umno has five seats while PN has seven, but the state opposition leader (from Umno) does not wish to let go of his position because he thinks he is still the opposition leader despite Umno now being part of the federal government.
“So, he has to give up that post. People of Selangor, if you want a more interesting offer, vote for PN in the coming state elections,” he said, referring to the six state elections due this year.
Deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker Alice Lau then reminded Shahidan to stay on topic by debating the budget allocated to the ministry and he will not be given extra time to speak on other matters.
Shahidan’s quips in the Dewan Rakyat followed the drama that unfolded in the Selangor state assembly today .
Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali (Bukit Antarabangsa-PN) had claimed that state opposition leader Datuk Rizam Ismail (Air Tawar-BN) might not be able to carry out his duties effectively as BN is now part of the federal unity government.
Azmin alleged that Rizam had told him it was difficult for him to debate during the state assembly sitting and was ready to pass on the responsibility.
However, this led Selangor speaker Ng Suee Lim chiding Azmin that he was better positioned to be the state opposition chief due his resurging interest in state affairs after failing to defend his Gombak parliamentary seat.
Ng also called out Azmin for having poor attendance during state assembly sessions. – The Vibes, March 14, 2023
