KUALA LUMPUR: Tempers flared in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Nov 2) over statements made by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on rural development allocations for Sabah and Sarawak last week.
The exchange began when RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) questioned Ahmad Zahid’s statement that the people of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as rural communities in Peninsular Malaysia, had been affected by the cancellation of development projects.
Rayer said the remarks contradicted Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan’s explanation that no allocations had been cut or withdrawn, leaving the public confused.
“The statement made by Bagan Datuk (Ahmad Zahid), who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, suggested that the allocations for Sabah and Sarawak had been sacrificed.
“This gave the impression that the Deputy Prime Minister and the Madani government were not concerned about the problems and various infrastructure issues affecting Sabah and Sarawak, as well as rural communities in Peninsular Malaysia.
“However, the Finance Minister II has explained that no cuts have been made and no funds have been withdrawn from those allocations.
“If I am confused, imagine how much more confused the public must be. Is the Bagan Datuk MP trying to sabotage the Madani government?” he said during the committee-stage debate on Budget 2027.
Rayer added that the remarks had sparked controversy, with many MPs and members of the public in Sabah and Sarawak expressing anger towards the government.
The issue had earlier been raised by Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar), who questioned the remarks on rural development allocations before Rayer took up the matter.
Following this, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul told Rayer to submit a motion if he wanted Ahmad Zahid referred to the Committee of Privileges.
The exchange, however, escalated when Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) objected to Rayer’s use of the word “sabotage”, saying it was an improper allegation against Ahmad Zahid.
Shahidan said the term was associated with security matters and should not be used lightly, particularly when referring to the Deputy Prime Minister.
“This is the Deputy Prime Minister of the country. We cannot make such an allegation against him, especially when we are in the same government,” Shahidan said.
Datuk Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar (BN-Kinabatangan) also challenged Rayer’s allegation, asking where the sabotage had taken place.
Rayer, however, stood by his claim.
“It is clear as daylight. Bagan Datuk is indeed colluding with the other side to try to sabotage the Madani government,” he said.
Shahidan described the remark as a malicious imputation and called on Johari to intervene.
Johari repeatedly called for order as the exchange grew heated before asking Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff (PN-Rantau Panjang) to continue with the debate.
