Umno rep's 'pig farm' remark shocks opposition

JOHOR ASSEMBLY An Umno state assemblyperson stepped on unlikely toes in making a reference to the Johor sultan when speaking on a matter involving a pig farm in his constituency.

Aziz Ismail (BN-Senggarang), when debating the motion of thanks on the Royal Address this afternoon, said the pig farm may satisfy hygiene standards but is smelly.

The sultan may even smell it while on the Kembara Mahkota Johor road trip, remarked Aziz. 

State Opposition Leader Dr Boo Cheng Hau (DAP-Skudai, right) stood up to argue that Aziz has violated the Standing Order by dragging the royal name into the debate.

Citing Standing Order 45(15), Boo said the name of the Agong, sultans, state governors and acting sultans cannot be used to influence the House.

As such, he asked Johor speaker Mohamad Aziz to direct Aziz to retract his statement and apologise.

However, the speaker ruled that Aziz did not violate the standing order as he was only relating an issue.

'Speaker must act or ...'

At a press conference later, Boo said the speaker should not have defended Aziz.

“This case is very serious. I request the speaker to check the video recording and the Hansard so that he (can get a clearer picture and) direct Aziz to retract his statement,” said Boo.

“Otherwise, I will file a motion to refer Aziz to the rights and privileges committee.”

He said Aziz should apologise to the Johor sultan, state assembly and the pig farmers.

“We can investigate an issue but its not necessary to drag in the sultan’s name ... This also shows that some people have no tolerance with certain communities.”