A WAR of words broke out between Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan and RSN Rayer regarding the housing budget for the Indian community under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Takiyuddin (PN-Kota Baru) questioned why there was none allocated for the Indian community, particularly estate workers without homes, under the plan.
“And since there is a master plan for Chinese new villages, I also want to ask why there is no master plan for the development of the Indian community, especially for the plantation workers, who we know do not have their own houses,” he said.
Rayer (PH-Jelutong) stood up to interject, saying that Takiyuddin was factually wrong about the allocations for the Indian community.
He then cited the Standing Orders against Takiyuddin for allegedly trying to mislead Parliament.
Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar), who was standing in to chair the proceedings, reminded Rayer to respect the Standing Orders and to allow Takiyuddin to explain his remarks.
Rayer then accused Takiyuddin of ignoring allocations in the 13MP, stating that funds would be provided to repair dilapidated homes for the Indian community.
Takiyuddin denied Rayer’s accusation, repeatedly saying: “I never said that ... listen properly.”
Takiyuddin said he had inquired about a development plan for the Indian community, particularly for estate workers without homes.
Earlier, another commotion broke out when Rayer expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of action against Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), who raised racial issues while linking them to the May 13, 1969 racial riots during the 13MP debate session last week.
Awang then stood up to say that he had yet to receive the letter submitted by Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul regarding the matter.
However, Johari said he would make a ruling after receiving a written explanation from Awang over the matter.
