KUALA LUMPUR: A fiery exchange erupted in the Dewan Rakyat after Pendang MP Datuk Awang Hashim sparked outrage by referencing the May 13 racial riots while criticising the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for allegedly sidelining the bumiputera community.
Debating the five-year national development roadmap, Awang questioned why the plan included a development blueprint for Chinese new villages, but lacked similarly targeted initiatives for the bumiputera.
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The Perikatan Nasional MP claimed that funding for Chinese new villages was not a problem.
"But in 13MP, there is no specific development for the bumiputera, and when we look back at the May 13 incident, one of the elements was economic pressure on the bumiputera.
“That’s why 1MP to 13MP exist, to rebalance income and the economy among the races. But 13MP has nothing specific for the bumiputera," he said.
His remarks drew swift condemnation from RSN Rayer (PH–Jelutong), who cited Standing Order 36(9)(c), which prohibits statements that may incite ill feelings or hostility between races.
“Pendang (Awang) is suggesting that May 13 could happen again. That’s dangerous and irresponsible,” said Rayer, urging Deputy Speaker Alice Lau to order Awang to retract the statement.
Awang defended himself, accusing Rayer of slander and misquoting him.
“This is slander. He’s not even quoting me accurately,” said Awang.
Rayer shot back, saying: “We don’t object to development in Chinese New Villages. But it’s not right to repeat the notion that May 13 can happen again.”
Awang insisted he was merely pointing out an imbalance, referencing a statement by the Prime Minister on enhancing socio-economic development in Chinese new villages.
“Is it racist to mention ‘Chinese’ or ‘bumiputera’? If I use these words, does it automatically make me racist?” he asked.
Deputy Speaker Lau declined to make a ruling, saying the minister in charge would address the matter.
She advised Rayer to file a formal motion with the Speaker if he wanted further action.
