KUALA LUMPUR: A dispute over whether rural projects were sacrificed to fund the Rural Road Programme sparked heated exchanges in the Dewan Rakyat.
Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) invoked Standing Order 36(12), which covers members of parliament (MPs) who mislead the House, and called for the MP concerned to be referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee.
Chong said he had asked Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during the rural and regional development ministry’s winding-up on Oct 26 which projects would be sacrificed if a notice of change was used to reallocate funds.
According to the Hansard, Zahid replied: “Not a single project was sacrificed, none, none.”
However, Chong said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan had given a different explanation during the Finance Ministry’s winding-up speech last Thursday.
“The financial management procedure allows reallocation through an NOC to meet project needs. However, adding allocation for the Rural Road Programme means a reduction for other programmes,” Chong quoted the speech as saying.
“It is clear from the finance ministry’s reply that projects were indeed sacrificed,” he said.
Chong asked the minister to explain the matter.
Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul told him to file a motion, saying the Standing Orders did not allow him to summon the minister.
RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) said the conflicting statements had caused confusion among Sabahans and Sarawakians.
“I myself am confused. People out there are even more confused. Is Bagan Datuk trying to sabotage the Madani government?” he asked.
Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) demanded that Rayer withdraw the remark, describing it as a malicious suspicion against the deputy prime minister.
Mohd Kurniawan Naim Moktar (BN-Kinabatangan) also challenged the accusation, saying government support would have been withdrawn if there had been sabotage.
Rayer stood by his remark, prompting Johari to tell both MPs to sit down.
“I know this is politics. Sit down, both of you, please,” the speaker said.