Pandemonium in Parliament, three sent out

TWO Opposition MPs and a backbencher were ejected from the House after they refused to heed instructions from Deputy Speaker Alice Lau.

In the first incident, Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) was ejected for accusing Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad of lying on the issue of Malay reserve land.

However, Lau ruled that the minister’s statement did not equate to lying and requested Awang retract his accusation.

The MP was ordered out of the House when he refused.

There was lingering dissatisfaction among several Opposition MPs, including Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), who stood up to defend Awang.

A noisy argument ensued between government and Opposition MPs. The word “robber” was heard.

RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) asked Lau to order Shahidan out for uttering the word. Shahidan denied he had said this and added that he had not turned on his microphone. Rayer said Shahidan’s remarks were heard clearly in the House.

After further arguments between Shahidan and Rayer, Lau told them to leave the House.