PAS MP retracts claim linking Rayer to May 13 riots
KUALA LUMPUR : Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) was forced to withdraw his remarks in the Dewan Rakyat today after claiming that RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) was involved in the May 13 racial riots.
Rayer had asked Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul if action would be taken against Awang for bringing up the May 13 riots in the Dewan Rakyat last week.
The DAP man said others would have been hauled to court by now for bringing up the controversial incident, but that no action had been taken against Awang.
Hearing this, Awang interjected: 'I feel Rayer was involved with May 13 (riots), that's why he keeps disturbing (proceedings to raise the matter).'
Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) then urged the PAS MP to retract his statement, questioning the basis of his accusation.
Johari stepped in but had to ask Awang three times to withdraw his statement against Rayer, which he eventually did.
He also said he was waiting for Awang to respond to him in writing regarding his May 13 remark last week, although the Perikatan Nasional MP said he had yet to receive the letter.
Johari maintained that he had given Awang a deadline, after which he would make a decision.
Last week, Rayer filed a motion to refer Awang to Parliament's rights and privileges committee after the PAS man asked whether the government was trying to cause a recurrence of the May 13 riots.
Awang was speaking about the lack of initiatives for the Bumiputera community under the 13th Malaysia Plan when he made the remark.
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