DAP rep chided for 'kepala otak' remark

A spat broke out between RSN Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) and two Umno representatives during the Penang legislative assembly sitting this morning, over the use of the phrase "kepala otak" (slang for ‘your head’).

Acting opposition leader Hilmi Yahya (BN-Teluk Bahang, right) was debating the state's 2013 budget, when Rayer interupted to seek clarification on how the BN government had defended the rights of Malays while in office.

When Hilmi refused to respond, Rayer was overheard saying "kepala otak Umno".

Jasmin Mohammed (BN-Sungai Dua) flared up, demanding that Rayer withdraws the "kepala otak depa"remark.

He was joined by Mohd Arid Mohd Shah (BN-Seberang Jaya).

Rayer, whose voice dominated the session, insisted he did not say"depa". But on speaker Abdul Halim Hussein’s prompting, he withdrew the words "kepala otak”.

Earlier, as Hilmi was questioning the state's economic achievements, Rayer had similarly interjected to ask about the BN administration's contribution to Penangites.

In a raised voice, Rayer (left) asked about attention to the predicament of the fishing community in Jelutong which has been displaced due to the construction of the Jelutong Expressway.

When Hilmi dismissed the question, Rayer thundered: "Have their problems ever been given any attention? What is BN's contribution to the fisherfolk?"

"If you are brave as opposition leader, let's debate. Answer the question, if the people have benefitted from the projects (during BN's tenure)."

When Hilmi said he would not allow Rayer to butt in, the latter shot back: "I have proof. Now, tell us what are BN's achievements?"

A visibly annoyed Hilmi then told Abdul Halim that Rayer should seek permission before barging in with questions during the slot allocated to him for debate.

" ...  He is disturbing my flow. Doesn't he understand this? How did he become a state assemblyperson?" asked Hilmi.

Hindu temple issue

Hilmi, however, continued to be interupted by other Pakatan Rakyat assemblypersons.

For instance, A Thanasekharan (DAP-Bagan Dalam) asked Hilmi to explain the status of reconstructing a Hindu temple which was allegedly demolished by the Penang Port Sdn Bhd early this year.

The Penang Port Sdn Bhd, of which Hilmi is chairperson, and the Penang Port Commission had been blamed for the demolition of the 40-year-old temple at the Prai Bulk Cargo Terminal in the Prai Industrial Area.

"I hope Teluk Bahang will talk about it. Looks like he is trying to avoid it. This is an important issue and we need to know when the temple will be rebuilt,” said Thanasekharan.