KUALA LUMPUR – DAP’s R.S.N. Rayer (Jelutong-PH) has irked several opposition lawmakers in the Dewan Rakyat after making a tongue-in-cheek comment, suggesting that Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (Ketereh-PN) should support the prime minister amid his talk about veterans’ pensions.
Speaking during the Supplementary Supply (2023) Bill 2024 debate, Rayer said he was on Khlir’s side on the pension issue, adding that it would be easier to work together if the latter declared his support for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“I am also fighting (for the veterans) alongside Ketereh (Khlir). We are committed and determined to solve the issue.
“However, making it convenient is easy. Let’s ask Ketereh to declare his support for (Anwar) openly,” Rayer said.
Earlier, Khlir urged the Defence Ministry to prioritise the matter as the veterans were of old age and in poor health.
Rayer’s comments prompted both Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (Arau-PN) and Datuk Awang Hashim (Pendang-PN) to invoke Section 36(12) of the Standing Orders, which states that any member who makes misleading statements to the august House is deemed contemptuous.
“Jelutong (Rayer) is asking all MPs on this side to be involved with bribery. We do not want to be involved with it, where we have to declare support before getting aid. As a legal practitioner, (you must) educate…,” Awang said before his microphone was cut off.
However, their calls were not reciprocated as Deputy Speaker Alice Lau urged Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari (Alor Gajah-PH) to wind up his speech.
To date, a total of six Bersatu lawmakers have pledged support to Anwar’s administration while remaining in the opposition party.
The group consists of Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (Bukit Gantang MP), Azizi Abu Naim (Gua Musang), Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid (Kuala Kangsar), Datuk Suhaili Abdul Rahman (Labuan), Zahari Kechik (Jeli) and Datuk Zulkafperi Hanapi (Tg Karang). – March 20, 2024