Rayer accuses MP of straining Malaysia-Singapore trade ties

KUALA LUMPUR: RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) has accused another MP of putting a strain on trade relations between Singapore and Malaysia.

"Will a statement by an MP connecting (late Singaporean prime minister) Lee Kuan Yew with communists affect efforts by the government to continue trade ties with Singapore?" he said when debating the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry allocation.

Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad (PN-Kepala Batas) then stood up and asked Rayer to withdraw his comments.

"According to Standing Order 36(6), an MP should not imply that another MP has improper motives. I request that Jelutong withdraw his statement.

"I have given my statement (to the police) and there is no decision yet," she said.

Rayer then told Siti Mastura to sit down, saying that he did not mention her name.

He added that the claims could affect trade relations with Singapore as small traders have raised concerns that their products will be boycotted.

Deputy Speaker Alice Lau also told the PAS MP to sit down and allowed Rayer to continue his debate.

Siti Mastura, during a campaign speech for the Kemaman by-election had claimed that Lim's father Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang was related to Lee Kuan Yew and former Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng.