KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat saw a light-hearted moment after an MP pointed out that Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing was taking too long to read out his ministerial reply.
The incident happened just when Tiong was about to wrap up his winding-up speech on the 13th Malaysian Plan (13MP), and Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah) asked that the minister be given more time by Deputy Speaker Alice Lau.
“Please give an extra 10 minutes to the minister because he was being so ‘careful’ when reading.
“I have been waiting with full patience, and many issues were still unaddressed, including the National Day as well as issues on arts and culture,” said Mas.
Lau then sternly said, “No, I do not allow”.
Mas then pleaded to Lau again for an extra 10 minutes.
“The minister should have read it faster,” she said.
Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu) then joined in and said Tiong took too long to read his ministerial reply.
“It seems like he was just spelling the words, not reading,” said Rosol, where MPs were heard laughing.
Tiong then said he had given adequate time for Mas to ask questions during his winding-up speech.
“I even recorded this down, that you did not settle your ‘debt’ with me a few days ago,” she said, referring to her unanswered questions.
Tiong then told her that he was willing to meet her at the Parliament lobby or cafe later to listen to her concerns.
“Tell my officer, we can have tea at the lounge nearby,” added Tiong.
13MP was tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 31, and ministries are scheduled to deliver replies throughout this week.
The current Parliament meeting, which began on July 21, will end on Aug 28.
