Dewan vote ambush - opposition learning our tricks, says Hanipa

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Hanipa Maidin today congratulated the opposition for what he said was them learning Pakatan Harapan's tricks from back when the latter was opposition.

"They imitated us. The last time we did that to them when we were the opposition. It's okay, have fun, no problem, it is a small matter. Congratulations to the opposition, now you have learned the tricks," Hanipa (above) told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

He also said it was too cold inside the Parliament's chambers for lawmakers to remain inside for too long.

"When you become MP then you understand-lah. It is not easy for us to stay for a long time, you know it is very cold sometimes. This is normal, I think anywhere in the world, you cannot expect MPs to stay all the time," Hanipa said.

This was also normal during BN's time, he said, which is why the bell is rung before a bloc vote.

Last night, the Supply Bill 2020 for the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry was only narrowly passed after opposition lawmakers called for a bloc vote twice.

The first vote count saw 32 MPs in support of the bill with 28 opposition lawmakers voting against it. The second and final bloc vote was 45-28 in favour of the bill.

Hanipa said he wasn't worried about what had happened last night.

"I'm not worried at all. It is fun, you write that it is fun. We are the government, we can do anything. But as opposition, I think they have to do that.

"At least they have learned something because the last time they were government, they ruined everything so we are now fixing their problems.

"Now they are creating new troubles and having fun, no problem," he said. - Mkini