'Check the Hansard. I didn't say Menu Rahmah can cause cancer', says Dr Halimah as shouting match erupts in Parliament

KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Halimah Ali (PN-Kapar) denies saying that Menu Rahmah dishes can cause cancer.

Dr Halimah was responding to Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat), who interrupted a speech by Datuk Azman Nasrudin (PN-Padang Serai)in Parliament.

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Mohd Sany had demanded Dr Halimah retract her remarks in Parliament that Menu Rahmah dishes can cause cancer.

“I have to correct your remarks as they are inaccurate. Look at the Hansard, I didn’t say that Menu Rahmah can cause cancer,” said Dr Halimah in Parliament on Monday (Feb 20).

A shouting match ensued, as the MPs accused each other of slander.

“Check it (the Hansard) thoroughly with a clean heart. God-willing, (my conscience is) clear,” said Dr Halimah.

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Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul then told Azman to continue with his speech, before Mohd Sany attempted to heckle the proceedings again.

“Padang Serai, which school do you want to enrol in? Did you pass your SPM examination? The whole world is watching here,” said Mohd Sany.

Azman then proceeded to deliver the remainder of his speech on Menu Rahmah, and gave a scenario of school holidays where children will be home.

“RM5 per meal for a family of six costs RM30. Twice a day and that’s RM60,” said Azman.

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Mohd Sany was unsatisfied with Azman’s statement.

“Then they should cook at home. Cook at home. Don’t eat Menu Rahmah,” said Mohd Sany.

Azman then scolded Mohd Sany for repeatedly heckling his speech.

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“Hulu Langat! This is my floor! That is why I said earlier that even if the family wants to cook, the prices of goods are out of control,” said Azman.

Johari then intervened and told Azman to wind up his speech.

According to the Parliamentary Hansard last Tuesday (Feb 14), Dr Halimah, during her speech touching on food and health security, said that the poor shouldn’t be given low quality food.

“I have no issues with the phrase ‘rahmah’, but don’t give the B40 low quality food that may cause them to be exposed to cancer, autoimmune disease, autism among others,” said Dr Halimah.

Dr Halimah has since drawn flak for her remarks.