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New Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Heated Dewan Rakyat row over May 13 remarks, Speaker urges calm
KUALA LUMPUR: A heated exchange broke out in the Dewan Rakyat today when a government backbencher pressed for two opposition lawmakers to be referred to the Parliament's Committee of Privileges over their recent remarks in the House. The commotion reached its peak when Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul exclaimed "Ya Rasulullah" in an attempt to calm the Lower House amid overlapping shouts from both sides. This followed RSN Rayer (PH–Jelutong) invoking Standing Order 36(9), arguing that no action had yet been taken against Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim (PN–Pendang) for raising the sensitive issue of the May 13 racial riots during a sitting, despite the current parliamentary session being only two weeks away from concluding. "If such a statement were made by an ordinary person outside, they would have been arrested and charged in court. "Many have asked why no action has been taken against him, as this issue relates to peace and harmony in our country," he said. Johari responded that the proper procedure had already been initiated, noting that a motion had been submitted and a letter sent to Awang requesting his response. "I have written to Pendang (Awang Solahuddin) for his reply, and the letter has been sent. I am waiting for his answer," he said. Chong Zemin (PH–Kampar) then interjected, questioning why Awang could not explain himself immediately since he was present in the chamber. "This is an important issue. May 13 cannot be used to threaten the people. If Pendang is here, let him explain now so the Speaker can make a decision. Do not delay for one or two weeks," he said. Johari, however, said he was bound by the Standing Orders. "Even though the Speaker sits in a high chair, I am bound by the rules. Once Pendang replies, I will review the matter and decide accordingly," he said. Rayer later pointed out an apparent contradiction, noting that Awang had claimed not to have received the letter, despite confirmation from the Speaker's office that it had been delivered. In response, Awang remarked that Rayer might have been involved in the May 13 incident, prompting Chong to demand an immediate retraction. "Withdraw that statement. You cannot say such a thing," Chong said, after which Johari instructed Awang to retract his remark. Awang complied, saying, "Ok, tarik (retract)." The sitting then turned to Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN–Indera Mahkota), who raised his grievance that Rayer had also proposed referring him to the committee over alleged violations of the Standing Orders during the July 30 sitting. He said the matter stemmed from his questions to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who had decided not to respond on the case of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir. Rayer countered that Saifuddin had made insinuations suggesting ministers or deputy ministers were involved in the case, which he deemed inappropriate. As Saifuddin, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN–Arau) and Rayer began speaking over one another, Johari again interjected, exclaiming "Ya Rasulullah" and urging calm.
The Star
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘LHDN must be independent'
THE Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) wields immense power and should undergo structural reforms to ensure its independence from political influence and fiscal pressure, said Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic) (BN-Ayer Hitam). He proposed that LHDN be made an independent statutory body reporting directly to Parliament. 'Make this an important parliamentary reform,' he said when debating the 13th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Dr Wee cited best practices from other countries, noting that the Internal Revenue Service of the United States is accountable to Congress and not the president. 'In the United Kingdom, His Majesty's Revenue and Customs operates independently of day-to-day ministerial directives. 'They have their own board of directors, and decisions involving operations, investigations or audits cannot be directed by the sitting government,' he said. Dr Wee also highlighted complaints from small and medium enterprises about lengthy delays in tax refunds. He said the prolonged process is viewed as tantamount to the government 'forcibly borrowing' money from the people without interest. 'For instance, a taxpayer entitled to a RM13,000 credit refund only receives RM650 at first, and the full amount is only returned after four years. 'But when the situation is reversed, taxpayers are penalised with late payment interest,' he said. Dr Wee called for key powers such as tax assessments, appeal processes, and exemption approvals to be placed under an independent body, free from the direction of the Finance Ministry or the government. Citing the ongoing dispute between Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and the LHDN, he raised concerns about the implications of a RM10.6bil tax claim against the utility giant. He said TNB had, for decades, filed taxes under Schedule 7A of the Income Tax Act as a power generator, a classification the company maintains is appropriate. The Federal Court ruled on July 2 in favour of LHDN in TNB's 2018 tax dispute, deciding that TNB should have applied for an investment allowance under Schedule 7B rather than the reinvestment allowance under Schedule 7A. Dr Wee questioned the sudden shift by LHDN and its significant financial impact on a government-linked company backed by public retirement savings. 'This is not a case of tax evasion or fraud. If the Treasury's decision against TNB stands, this isn't just a tax grab; it is daylight robbery of the rakyat's retirement funds, disguised by bureaucratic language,' he said. Before Dr Wee could finish, Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) invoked Standing Order 36(12), accusing Dr Wee of misleading the House. 'This matter has gone through the courts. The ruling was based on existing laws that were in place when the honourable member for Ayer Hitam was a minister. 'His statement about 'daylight robbery' is not just inaccurate; it misleads the House,' Chong said, demanding a retraction and threatening to refer Dr Wee to the Privileges Committee. Deputy Speaker Alice Lau then advised Chong to file a motion. 'Respect me as a representative of the people. Let me finish. This is a policy proposal rooted in reform, based on models from developed nations. What wrong have I committed in presenting this?' Dr Wee asked. He clarified that his criticism was aimed at the system, not the current administration, and that his broader call was for institutional independence in tax matters. 'I did not blame any specific government. My argument is for a system that does not operate on anyone's cue. That is the reform spirit we speak of,' he added.
New Straits Times
05-08-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Wee, Chong clash in Dewan Rakyat over 'daylight robbery' remark
KUALA LUMPUR: A verbal spat erupted in Dewan Rakyat today between two government backbenchers during a debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13). The exchange began when Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN–Ayer Hitam) used the word "daylight robbery" regarding a government-linked company and Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Wee's remark prompted Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) to invoke Standing Order 36(12), which states that any member who makes a misleading statement in the House is considered to have insulted the Parliament. Chong argued that the matter Wee cited had already been settled in court. "Earlier, Ayer Hitam said this was tax robbery, that is not correct. This is a court decision," he said. Wee objected to Zhemin's statement, saying that the DAP member of parliament was not a minister and asked him not to interrupt his speech. "Respect me as a people's representative. I want to finish my speech. That's all. The one who answers is the minister, not someone who wants to act like a minister," Wee said. Zhemin, however, insisted he could question the words and examples Wee used, which he claimed were misleading to the Dewan Rakyat. He also urged Wee to withdraw the word "robbery." Wee said Chong could submit a motion to Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul to refer the matter to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee. "YB (Zhemin) can make a motion. I am used to this. This is a tactic, and every time I speak, he disturbs me. YB can refer back to Hansard to see what I said," Wee said. The exchange escalated until Deputy Speaker Alice Lau Kiong Yieng had to step in. "YB Kampar can write a motion to the Speaker. After that, the Speaker will ask Ayer Hitam to provide a clarification," she said.
The Star
05-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
Dr Wee calls for tax reform, clashes with Pakatan MPs over 'daylight robbery' remark
KUALA LUMPUR: A fiery exchange erupted in the Dewan Rakyat as Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong called for sweeping reforms to Malaysia's tax appeals system, drawing rebuke from government backbenchers who accused him of misleading Parliament. Dr Wee, a seasoned legislator and former minister, argued that it was time for Malaysia to establish an independent body to oversee tax interpretations, appeals and exemptions that is free from executive influence. Citing the ongoing dispute between Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), he raised concerns about the implications of an RM10.6bil tax claim imposed on TNB. "This is not a case of tax evasion or fraud. It is a dispute over the interpretation of Section 7(a) versus Section 7(b) of the Income Tax Act. "If the Treasury's decision against TNB stands, this isn't just a tax grab – it is daylight robbery of the rakyat's retirement funds, disguised by bureaucratic language," he said in the Lower House on Tuesday (Aug 5). Dr Wee stressed that TNB had, for decades, filed taxes under Section 7(a) as a power generator, a classification it maintains is appropriate. He questioned the sudden shift by LHDN and its significant financial impact on a GLC backed by public retirement savings. However, before he could finish, he was interrupted by Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar), who invoked Standing Order 36(12), accusing Dr Wee of misleading the House. "This matter has gone through the courts. The courts ruled based on existing laws – laws that were in place while the honourable member for Ayer Hitam was a minister. "His statement about 'daylight robbery' is not just inaccurate, it misleads the House," he said. Chong demanded that Dr Wee retract the remark and threatened to refer him to the Privileges Committee, to which Deputy Speaker Alice Lau told the former to file a motion. "YB Kampar, you may file a motion. The Speaker will then request an explanation from Ayer Hitam," she said. Unperturbed, Dr Wee stood his ground. "Respect me as a representative of the people. Let me finish. This is a policy proposal rooted in reform, based on models from developed nations. What wrong have I committed in presenting this?" he asked. He clarified that his critique was aimed at the system, not the current administration and that his broader point was about ensuring institutional independence in tax matters. "I did not blame any specific government. My argument is for a system that does not operate on anyone's cue – that is the reform spirit we speak of," he added.
Daily Express
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
May 13 reference sparks heated exchange in Dewan Rakyat
Published on: Monday, August 04, 2025 Published on: Mon, Aug 04, 2025 By: Elill Easwaran, FMT Text Size: Rayer (right) asked for a ruling from the deputy speaker after Awang (left) mentioned the May 13 racial riot. KUALA LUMPUR: A war of words broke out between a government backbencher and an opposition MP after the latter mentioned the May 13 racial riots while criticising the 13th Malaysia Plan on grounds that it lacked initiatives for the Bumiputera community. Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) questioned the government's emphasis on New Villages, when debating the 13MP, tabled last Thursday. He said while Perikatan Nasional had no issue with funds for New Villages, there was no specific development for the Bumiputera community. 'When we look back at the May 13 incident, one of the elements was economic pressure on the Bumiputeras. That's why the 1MP to 13MP exist, to balance income and the economy among the races. But the 13MP has nothing specific for the Bumiputera community. 'Is the government trying to bring back another May 13 incident?' This prompted RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) to cite Standing Order 36(9)(c), which prohibits statements that can provoke hostility or hurt the feelings of any race. 'Pendang is suggesting May 13 can happen again,' Rayer said, urging deputy speaker Alice Lau to make a ruling. Awang denied making any provocative statement, saying such accusations were slanderous. 'I didn't say what you claimed I did. That's why even DAP people don't accept you anymore – you lost the (party's) central executive committee election,' he said. Rayer replied: 'We accept your point about Chinese New Villages, but why repeat that May 13 can happen again?' Defending his comments, Awang said: 'I quoted the point made by the prime minister, that the socio-economic level of New Villages will be strengthened through a development master plan. So, is it racist to mention that? If I say 'Bumiputera', is it racist? If I say 'Chinese', is it racist?' Rayer continued to press for a ruling, but Lau said she 'will let the minister respond', likely alluding to the economy minister. She said Rayer could submit a motion to the Speaker for further action. - FMT * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
