KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau-PN) opined that he and his fellow lawmakers in the opposition only raise questions intended to improve.
During his committee-level debate for the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry today, Shahidan explained that his comments are supposed to play the check-and-balance role, so those who answer can “be greater”.
He said this in response to government lawmakers and supporters claiming the opposition often criticised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and other ministers when they were reciting their speeches.
“When I raise questions (in Parliament), they (government supporters) accuse me of interrupting the prime minister. If you do not want us to ask questions, fine, shut us off,” he said.
“(My questions) are checks and balances so he can be greater. When I criticise someone, they will be greater. If I don’t, you won’t be better,” he added.
Shahidan said that ministers who do not wish to respond to debates may be “kupang tembaga” (worthless), and advised them to answer the opposition’s questions confidently or to at least inform them that it will be given as a written reply.
Previously, Anwar dismissed criticism by the opposition of the government’s people-centric programmes, saying the attacks were “weird” as many beneficiaries included poor Malaysians in PN states.
‘There will be no coups in Malaysia’
Meanwhile, Shahidan also assured that no coups d’état would occur, claiming that Malaysia has a different understanding of what it is.
“Coups in Malaysia mean something else. Other nations’ coups d’état have military and weapons, but it is different in Malaysia,” he said
“There will not be any coups, so you (Anwar) can sit there being great. If there is anything (in the future), I will let you know,” he quipped.
Shahidan added that the government can tell foreign tourists to travel to Malaysia, as there will neither be chaos in the nation nor will anyone be paid to riot.
Earlier this month, PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang claimed the opposition had a democratic right to overthrow the government, adding that coups were normal among opposition blocs in democratic nations.
However, PN chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the statement by Hadi had been misunderstood by certain quarters, stressing that the coalition’s leaders would always abide by and respect the federal constitution, and would not resort to any action that could jeopardise its sanctity. – The Vibes, March 21, 2023
