Recently, Pulai MP Suhaizan Kayat became the target of criticism after he was seen officiating a metal drain cover of a primary school in Johor Bahru.
Taking to his Facebook page to show off the officiation, he wrote, “Thank you to the people of Sekolah Rendah Taman Perling who welcomed our presence. I have handed over the contributions to maintain students’ safety to ensure a safe and more conducive school environment for their learning.”
“The safety of our children is a priority, and I am committed to continue supporting efforts that bring good to the community and the future of the younger generation.”
His actions of officiating a drain cover became the subject of ridicule among politicians and Malaysians alike.
Among those who mocked the MP is Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who took to his X account to share, “If a PN representative officiates an ATM, your group criticises them relentlessly, but when a PH parliament member does something like this, it’s even more ridiculous and embarrassing!”
“Even a drain cover needs a ribbon for an officiation? Are you really that hungry for attention, YB Suhaizan?”
Considering the backlash, Suhaizan told Harian Metro that the criticism he is receiving is inappropriate and lacks understanding of the real context.
He said that he was merely fulfilling an invitation from the school to review the assistance provided by the Projek Mesra Rakyat (PMR) channelled through his office. He added that the school had asked for additional assistance due to them not having drain covers which caused multiple cases of students falling into the drain.
“Following the issue of the school’s students’ safety, drain covers for all 4 school blocks were supplied through the assistance of PMR allocation from the Pulai Parliamentary Office. The school in question then invited me to inspect the drain covers that had been supplied,”
“The officiation was a request from the school, who wanted to thank me for the help through PMR and a sign of their appreciation for the help that was channelled. I was present to meet the school’s request. Not to mention, as a guest, it is not nice to disappoint the school’s expectations after they have worked hard to put the program together,” he said.
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