KUALA LUMPUR: Slight turmoil arose in the Dewan Rakyat when Transport Minister Anthony Loke took a jab at Opposition MPs, telling them to stick to the facts during debates on Wednesday (Aug 13) morning.
Loke was initially asked by Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN-Jerantut) on the ministry’s possible plan to revive the Malaysian Transport Safety Board (MTSB) amid the recent number of tragic road accidents.
The minister’s response, however, caught many off guard as he first praised Khairil for his credibility as part of the Opposition.
He then took a swipe at other Opposition members, telling them to learn how to argue with facts from Khairil.
“He (Khairil) is someone who is professional and sticks to the facts, and that is what we respect.
“I hope the rest (of the Opposition) can learn from Jerantut.
“If you want respect from the government front bench or executives, stick with facts and figures instead of talking nonsense,” Loke said during Minister's Question Time today.
Loke also singled out Tuan Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) in particular during his rant, jokingly adding that he would not elect the latter for any task force due to his supposed lack of credibility.
“Pasir Mas (Ahmad Fadhli) in particular should try to learn from Jerantut (Khairil).
“I would personally not elect Pasir Mas (Ahmad Fadhli) for any task force as I feel he is currently lacking (in the ability to argue with facts),” Loke said.
Despite some initial uproar to Loke’s sudden jibes, the Opposition remained calm with some light-hearted laughter even being heard when Loke commented on Ahmad Fadhli.
