Kelantan opposition leader weeps after given marching orders

Kelantan opposition leader Norzula Mat Diah (Umno-Paloh) was in tears after he was ordered to leave the legislative assembly sitting today.

Speaker Abdullah Ya'kub gave the marching orders after Norzula repeated sought to interject during the speech of state executive councillor Dr Ramli Mamat (PAS-Bunut Payong).

Before leaving the chambers, a sobbing Nozula said the speaker did not provide him the time to speak.

The speaker’s order also led to BN lawmakers Ramzi Ab Rahman (Dabong), Mat Razi Mat Ail (Pengkalan Kubor), Ab Aziz Yusoff (Galas) and Zulkifle Ali (Selising) walking out in protest.

Earlier, Norzula had repeatedly sought permission to interject during Ramli's winding speech for his portfolio on Kelantan's budget for 2018.

Abdullah rejected Norzula's pleas on grounds that all lawmakers had already had the chance to speak during the debate sessions.

"I am saddened by the speaker's actions. He should give me a chance to speak and raise issues relevant to the public," Nozula, still in tears, told reporters later.

Ramzi said he and several other BN lawmakers walked out as a sign of solidarity with Norzula and as a sign of protest because the rights of the opposition leader had been curtailed.

Ramli is in charge of the state portfolio for welfare, health, environment and NGOs.- Mkini