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New Straits Times

[UPDATED] Nga clarifies 20-tonne rubbish figure from rally

KUALA LUMPUR: The issue of 20 tonnes of rubbish left behind by participants of the opposition rally in the capital last Saturday sparked an uproar in the Dewan Rakyat when Pendang MP Datuk Awang Hashim questioned the figure reported by the Housing and Local Government Ministry. Awang accused Minister Nga Kor Ming of lying and cast doubt on the reported 20 tonnes of waste allegedly collected by SWCorp after the rally, arguing that the figure did not match the estimated 18,000 participants, as confirmed by the police. Responding to Awang's question, Nga clarified that the figure did not originate from him personally but was based on a report from SWCorp. "As a government that respects the constitution and upholds democratic principles, we welcome peaceful assemblies but they must be carried out in a peaceful and orderly manner, including maintaining cleanliness," he said during the Minister's Question Time today. "What I criticised was the unhygienic behaviour. As the saying goes, 'if you eat chillies, you'll feel the heat.' I never accused the opposition members of parliament themselves of littering. "The claim that 20 tonnes of rubbish were left behind was based on a report I received from SWCorp on the ground. Hundreds of workers were mobilised to clean up after the Black Shirt rally. I do not deny that a group from Unit Amal helped with the clean-up, and I thank them for that. But it also cannot be denied that 20 tonnes of rubbish were scattered across Sogo, Dataran Merdeka, and Jalan Petaling," he added. Tensions rose in the House as shouting erupted, prompting Deputy Speaker Alice Lau to mute the microphones and instruct Awang to take his seat. "You're lying. A minister can't lie," Awang was heard saying. Lau moved to conclude the session, but Nga and Awang continued exchanging remarks. Awang then stood up again and shouted, "The minister lied about the 20 tonnes. DAP!" Nga responded by demanding that Awang retract his statement. Lau warned, "If Pendang stands up one more time, please leave the hall."