Pengerang MP: Rally participants paid RM30 each

Those who participated in the Himpunan Hijau rally against the Pengerang petrochemical project on Sept 30 were paid to the tune of RM30 per head, a parliamentarian claimed today. 

Debating the budget in the Dewan Rakyat, Azalina Othman (BN-Pengerang) said that this was how the organisers managed to attract people, mostly outsiders, to attend the rally. 

“They said 7,000 people attended, but I don’t know how it could be that many. From what I was made to understand there was only 3,000 people, it’s a small area, so I don't know how they can fit in 7,000. Most were outsiders, who were bused in... and were paid RM30 per person,” she said. 

This triggered Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR-Lembah Pantai) to interject to seek clarification on the basis of the claim, but Azalina refused to allow her to speak. 

“I have told you but you don’t want to listen, you never listen. Why is Lembah Pantai being nosy? Let Kubang Kerian answer,” she exclaimed, in the high-strung war of words. 

‘I’m not emotional’

Azalina had earlier challenged PAS’ Kubang Kerian MP Salahuddin Ayub to a debate on the project, as Salahuddin has claimed that the government is victimising the Pengerang villagers in this matter. 

He, however, declined, saying that he wants to instead debate Johor Menteri Besar Abdul Ghani Othman, as only the MB has a say on land matters. 

Nurul Izzah then told Azalina not to be “defensive” or “emotional” as she was just seeking a clarification. 

“I am not emotional!” Azalina argued, pointing to Nurul Izzah, claiming also that she was just relating was what told to her by someone else. 

Asked to clarify on the claim that the rally participants were paid, when met later, Azalina said: “I said that in the Dewan Rakyat and what I say inside and outside the Dewan are different.”