PARLIAMENT | Opposition lawmaker Rafizi Ramli (PKR-Pandan) today kicked off what he believes to be his final speech in Parliament by apologising to MPs across the divide for his stinging criticisms over the years.
"This is my last speech in this House as I will not be contesting the next general election.
"I wish to apologise if my stinging criticisms towards the government had hurt any feelings. I have never done it out of hate," Rafizi said adding that he is friends with several BN lawmakers, such as Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) and Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Noh Omar.
Rafizi said that any criticisms he made were done as part of his responsibilities to the people, who bear a heavy burden due to government policies.
This included the slashing of subsidies, he said.
Rafizi is facing 30-months jail time after being convicted of violating the Official Secrets Act.
While the matter is under appeal, the jail sentence would disqualify him as a lawmaker should the decision be upheld.
In his speech today, Rafizi stressed the negative impact the government's decision to slash subsidies had on the public's cost of living.
But now, he noted, the government is scrambling to give subsidised or free goods to win support in the upcoming polls.
"I actually encourage the ministers and MPs to give out free rice, vegetables, fish and petrol as it will benefit the people. Just make sure you use your own money and not ministry funds," he said.
However, he said, such cheap sales or handouts would not solve the problem of the rising cost of living which was due to bad policies.
He chastised the finance ministry's decision to “quietly” buy a 51 percent stake in Exchange 106, a luxury office/residential tower project located within the Tun Razak Exchange development area.
The Pandan MP ended his speech by praying that the hearts of all MPs, including Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, be opened so as to find ways to help and protect those in need. -Mkini
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