Kapar MP says sorry if Menu Rahmah comments were misconstrued

KUALA LUMPUR: Kapar MP Dr Halimah Ali has apologised for her remarks linked to Menu Rahmah if they were misunderstood by certain quarters.

While reading from a prepared text in gurindam style, she said she was just putting forth concerns made by the people.

"If my speech has been misconstrued, I seek forgiveness. (Making) the voice of the people (heard) was the intention," she said in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Feb 27).

She also invited all interested parties to read pages 134 to 137 of the Feb 14 Hansard for the full picture.

Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul said with the reading of Dr Halimah's statement, he considered the issue resolved and urged everyone to move on.

On Feb 21, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii had written to the Speaker to refer Dr Halimah to Parliament’s committee of privileges for misleading the House.

Dr Yii also said Dr Halimah’s remarks on Feb 14 that Menu Rahmah may cause exposure to cancer, autoimmune disease and autism among others, was deemed to be in contempt of Parliament.

"The statement is untrue and irresponsible because it's not only not based on facts and science, but can also cause misunderstanding and stigma against the autistic and disabled community in Malaysia.

"Her statement gives a wrong impression to the public, further causing immense stigma and (promoting the) belief that autism is caused by poor care and determined by level of income," he said.

He added that autism was a neuro-developmental disorder that affected an individual’s social interaction, communication and behaviour.

"Autism is a complex and lifelong condition, and while the exact causes are not yet fully understood, there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that poor diet or bad food cause autism.

On Monday (Feb 20), Dr Halimah denied saying that Menu Rahmah can cause cancer, saying that the matter could be checked in the Hansard.

According to the Hansard, Dr Halimah said in her speech on food and health that the poor should not be given low-quality food.

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