Parliament: Tempers flare as opposition MP issues May 13 'warning'over 13MP
He alleged this could happen because the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) "sidelined Bumiputera interests".
The uproar began when Awang interjected during opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin's debate speech on the 13MP, claiming the plan lacked development for Bumiputera while discussing on Chinese new villages.
"We agree that funding for Chinese new villages is not an issue. However, the 13MP clearly lacks specific development for Bumiputera.
"We know that one element leading to the May 13 incident was economic pressure on the Bumiputera community.
"So, the 1MP to 12MP were created to rebalance income and the economy among these races. The 13MP has nothing (specific for Bumiputeras).
"Is the government trying to revert to the May 13 incident?"
Awang's remarks prompted objections from RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who urged Deputy Speaker Alice Lau to order a retraction.
"I refer to Standing Order 36(9)(c), which prohibits words likely to incite ill-will between different races in Malaysia, or violating any conditions in the constitution or the Sedition Act, should not be used.
"I heard Pendang debating and interjecting, suggesting that the 13MP is biased and does not prioritise Bumiputeras, giving priority to the Chinese community instead and making statements that will cause ill-will," Rayer said.
He requested that Awang's statement be retracted, and that he apologise.
Awang, however, dismissed the allegation as slander, arguing that Rayer misrepresented his words.
"This is slander. You did not quote what I said. That is why even DAP members do not accept you, (and that) you lost the CEC (central executive committee) selection," he said.
Awang insisted that his remarks were based on statements made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of the 13MP.
Lau then intervened, asking both MPs to sit.
She said a minister would address the matter and advised Rayer to file a motion if he wished to pursue it further.
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