IPOH: Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad reprimanded several members of the Opposition bloc in the state assembly for presenting arguments based on false information and slander during debates.
“Members cannot debate using things that are not true. We cannot argue on matters outside the actual facts,” he said before reading his Budget 2026 winding-up speech at the sitting on Tuesday (Dec 2).
Saarani emphasised that the state assembly is governed by strict rules outlined in the standing orders, and that every decision made here becomes law.
He said the august House is not a public forum, a night or farmers’ market.
Citing an example, Saarani said Mohamad Husairi Ariffin (PN- Kenering), claimed that a RM50mil hardcore poor housing programme (PPRT) in Kg Tawai in Gerik had been cancelled due to objections from local residents and the Lenggong MP.
He said Kg Tawai falls under the Lenggong parliamentary constituency, and he, as the head of the Umno division there, has verified the facts.
“The so-called PPRT is actually an area development programme (PPK) proposal that has not yet been approved.
“The district administration had considered villagers’ objections and planned to relocate the proposed housing project, not cancel it, and the Lenggong MP had not objected.
“This is a reminder that while we can have differing opinions and criticise each other, we must never lie, deceive, or slander,” he said, urging members to uphold integrity in their debates.
Mohamad Husairi then stood up and apologised if the facts he mentioned were incorrect.
“I accept the answer given by the Mentri Besar,” he said.
Saarani said Mohamad Amin Roslan (PN-Pengkalan Hulu) debated on the supposed lack of specific allocations for the maintenance and upgrading of Sekolah Agama Rakyat.
Saarani then read parts of a long list of the allocations.
“The allocations amount to millions. So how can Pengkalan Hulu be unaware of this?
“I was taken aback when I saw a viral video accusing me of lying. I would feel deeply responsible if I failed to fulfil those commitments,” he said.
