The devastating flood that had struck Peninsular Malaysia over the weekends became part of the discussions in the Parliament today (20 December), with multiple politicians voicing out their concerns on the flood crisis that the rakyat is now enduring.
However, the discussions did not last long and immediately turned into a heated debate. The Speaker, Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun stopped anyone who raised the issues. The reason – there is another matter scheduled for debate today, which is the proposed amendments to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
“Today is not the day for this debate. We cannot jump from one issue to another issue without the issue being listed in the meeting affairs. We have to follow the rules of the Parliament,” the Speaker emphasised.
Regardless, his insistence was met with criticisms from fellow politicians who raised the issue of the flood crisis. Here’s what the politicians have said before each and every one of them were asked to take their seats.
Lim Guan Eng
The MP for Bagan said that situations like this shouldn’t have happened in a developing area such as Klang Valley where people had to seek shelter on the roofs of their houses. He also urged for an explanation from the relevant ministers to explain the situation.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan
Pontian MP then continued by questioning when will the government actually provide the financial assistance that was promised recently to the flood victims. Ahmad Maslan also added that he doesn’t think that the RM100 million will not be sufficient to fix the damages caused by the flood.
Mat Sabu
Mohammad Sabu, MP for Kota Raja raised his concerns by questioning the absence of the rescue boats from the police and the fire departments, even on the second day of the flood.
“It’s not really about the money, but the rescue efforts.”
Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun, MP for Beaufort interjected Mat Sabu and simply said the government has allocated RM100 million and that the parliamentarians should be the ones be out in the field to help.
One of the MPs can also be heard yelling “people are dying, you know?” to the Speaker, but the Speaker only insisted everyone to take their seats. You can watch the full video below.
Also read: Syed Saddiq: Those Who Debated Over TIMAH Issue Was Quiet When Najib Given RM100mil Land & Bungalow
