KUALA LUMPUR: Tensions erupted in the Dewan Rakyat today following a heated exchange between government backbenchers and opposition members of Parliament over the claim made by Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) that RM94 million in cash had been discovered at the home of a former DAP minister.
It all started when Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming criticised Awang, who was not present at the sitting today, for continuously spewing lies in Dewan Rakyat for making such claims.
Nga said Awang had gone overboard when he made the allegation.
"His nawaitu (intention) is very cruel. We all know that the holy religion of Islam forbids the sin of slander, whereby slander is even worse than murder.
"But, Pendang can continue with his slander here despite a denial by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) that it has never made such a statement," said Nga during his winding-up speech on 2025 Budget today.
Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (PN-Tasek Gelugor) later stood up and attempted to defend Awang, but he was cut off by Nga.
"You don't have to answer this," said Nga.
Wan Saiful continued to attempt to defend Awang and said it was unparliamentary of Nga to accuse a fellow MP of lying in the House.
Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) then stood up and asked Wan Saiful where he was when Awang made his statements.
"But where were you (Wan Saiful) when Pendang was making slanderous remarks? Why didn't you speak up then? Why is it only when the minister is responding that you interrupt his answer?" he asked.
Deputy Speaker Alice Lau, who was presiding over the session, told MPs to sit down while Nga was delivering his winding-up speech.
Nga defended his statement and said the Dewan Rakyat is not the place to shoot slanders.
"As a former deputy speaker, I'm here to say that this is too much. Enough is enough.
"We hope that Dewan (Rakyat) will not lower its standards because a single drop of ink can spoil the entire pot of milk," he said.
There were MPs dissatisfied with Nga's remarks, but Lau told them to file a motion to the house.
Wan Saiful also took an opportunity to criticise Chong.
"An award should be given to Kampar for trying so hard to make DAP happy," said Wan Saiful.
On Nov 4, Awang claimed that RM94mil was found in the home of a former minister from DAP.
However, the MACC issued a statement later that day, denying that its chief commissioner had made such claims, as suggested by Awang in Parliament. (link - https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/1129552/macc-denies-claims-rm...)