KUALA LUMPUR – Gerik MP Fathul Huzir Ayob clarified that he was not sick but was overcome by emotions and shed tears when talking about the hardship of the people in his parliamentary constituency while debating in the Dewan Rakyat, yesterday.
Recapping the situation, he said he could not continue his debate because he was overwhelmed by emotions when thinking about the people of Gerik who are suffering in poverty and are left behind while the area was rich in natural resources.
“The poor people whom I met came to mind. They are really in need and lead a tough life. I am not sick at all – even the doctor said I am healthy, young and can still drink teh tarik,” he joked at a media conference at the Parliament lobby today.
Yesterday, the Dewan Rakyat session was slightly “restless” when Fathul looked uncomfortable as his speech stuttered when discussing the motion of thanks on the Royal Address.
It led Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor to ask the Perikatan Nasional (PN) MP several times whether he could continue the debate before ordering him to rest and get medical assistance.
Fathul added that yesterday, he actually wanted to put forward the rights of people in rural areas who have natural resources and contribute to the country’s income like Gerik, and to ask for them to be protected and restored.
He suggested for Finance Ministry set up a corporation and foundation to look into the development of projects in Hulu Perak by involving the local community.
He said that such a corporation and foundation could ensure that the people in Hulu Perak are able to reap rewards and claim rights to various natural resources such as gold, tin, logs, and rare earth elements.
“Imagine seeing logging trucks every day only to have development neglected. We contribute to the country’s income, so it is not wrong for the government to focus on districts like ours,” he said.
Fathul also called for the international gateway in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak to be upgraded to develop the local economy and tourism industry. – Bernama, February 21, 2023
