KUALA LUMPUR: There was a brief fiery moment in the House after Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) questioned the need for a Confidence Motion on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s premiership being debated in the Dewan Rakyat.
Shahidan said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s words shouldn’t be used to influence parliamentary sessions.
“If the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had legitimised (Anwar’s leadership), then why are we raising it here?”
Mohd Sany Hamzah (PH-Hulu Langat), who was in a wheelchair after having undergone a recent operation, subsequently retorted.
“Because we are brave and the previous prime minister (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) wasn’t and that is why he declared an emergency,” said Mohd Sany.
This triggered a reply by Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa), who dared Mohd Sany to stand up.
“If you are brave, then stand up!” shouted Ahmad Marzuk.
Mohd Sany, who was visibly angered, subsequently stood up despite being in a wheelchair.
“I stand up because the Prime Minister today is brave unlike the previous prime minister,” added Mohd Sany.
Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul subsequently intervened and said the names of 12 MPs had been submitted to debate the Confidence Motion on Anwar’s leadership.
However, Shahidan was heard saying “bodoh” (stupid), believed to be directed at other MPs in the government bench.
“Speaker, he (Shahidan) said ‘bodoh’. Retract!” shouted Mohd Sany.
A shouting match then briefly ensued between government and Opposition MPs, before Johari intervened and ordered Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin (PN-Larut) to deliver his speech on the Confidence motion.
The House is currently debating the motion of confidence on Anwar’s premiership.
