PARLIAMENT | Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin insisted today that any questions directed to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the government bench are a part of their parliamentary functions.
In thanking Anwar, who earlier delivered a ministerial briefing on the Malaysia-Indonesia outstanding boundary issue, Hamzah reminded that he had pressed Putrajaya last week to address concerns about its purported move to cede 5,207ha of land to Indonesia as compensation for three villages in the Nunukan area.
“We on this side were waiting - this is the answer we’ve been waiting for.
“Because if the answer is like this, when the prime minister says ‘relations with Indonesia have always been good,’ I agree. Not just me, but also our friends over there (government backbenchers).
“That’s why we wanted clarification. Now that we have it, on behalf of everyone, I say thank you - we’ll ask again another time,” said (above) Hamzah.
In concluding his briefing, Anwar stressed that matters touching on national interests, including border issues, must be discussed prudently.
“I have no issue with any opposition member asking questions, but I strongly object to accusations and slander claiming that we have betrayed the country.
“Cooperation between both sides - from the lowest-ranking officers to chief ministers, ministers, and prime ministers - has generally been very good.
“We may differ in opinion, but we should not pass judgment or offend our friends in Indonesia who are working to maintain a very good and close relationship between our two countries,” Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat.
Earlier, Anwar’s remarks on alleged slander sparked a minor commotion with objections from the opposition bench, which then prompted outcries from backbenchers, including Sany Hamzan (Harapan-Hulu Langat) and Howard Lee (Harapan-Ipoh Timur).
Chong Zhemin (Harapan-Kampar) also raised a point of order against an opposition lawmaker heard shouting “penjilat!” (bootlicker) towards the backbenchers.
Hamzah explains need for briefing
Hamzah also maintained that the opposition’s demand for clarification was based on Indonesian media reports that claimed Malaysia had ceded over thousands of hectares of its land in exchange for three villages - Kampung Kabulangalor, Kampung Lepaga, and Kampung Tetagas - in Pulau Sebatik, along the Sabah-Kalimantan border.
“That is why we asked Tambun to present it (briefing) in Parliament.
“Once it is presented, we accept it. If mistakes arise in the future, we will ask again. That is our job,” he stressed.
Before today’s briefing, Anwar had last Friday asserted there is “no need” for the matter to be clarified in Parliament, and instead lambasted the opposition for supposedly issuing “lies” when commenting on the issue. - Mkini
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