THE Dewan Rakyat saw a light-hearted moment when Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor briefly took offence after mishearing a remark from an MP.
The incident occurred just after Minister’s Question Time when Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong) began her question by praising Ramli for his patience in presiding over a heated debate on the Tabung Haji issue earlier.
However, Ramli thought Rodiyah was criticising him for being too loud.
“Batang Sadong said my voice is loud. I don’t deny that. But she should have reprimanded her colleagues, not me.
“If the 221 MPs in this House feel I am no longer qualified, table a motion and I’ll step aside,” said Ramli, appearing visibly upset.
Rodiyah clarified, explaining that she was commending him.
“They (MPs) were testing you, and you showed great patience. That was what I meant,” she said.
Realising the misunderstanding, Ramli responded with “cair saya” – a phrase that means “I’m melting” and is used to express being flattered – prompting laughter in the chamber.
The session then continued with Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup delivering his reply on plans to develop Sarawak as a food-security hub.
Earlier, Ramli had reprimanded MPs for their heated exchanges over the Tabung Haji rebranding exercise, reminding them to set a better example.
“I am upset because I don’t want the youth to follow our behaviour here,” he said.
The current Parliament sitting, which began on July 21, will run until Aug 28.
