Norhizam fired first shot, claims DAP rep over Malacca assembly row

Malacca's Kota Laksamana assemblyperson refutes a former comrade's accusation that he started the verbal fight in the state assembly sitting two days ago, which led to the infamous "babi" (pig) and "pengkhianat" (traitor) shouting row video that is now viral on social media.

Low Chee Leong, who is a DAP representative, claimed that it was Norhizam Hassan Baktee (Pengkalan Batu-Independent) who fired the first shot.

"At first, Sungai Udang assemblyperson (Idris Haron-Umno) interrupted the assembly speaker from reciting a prayer to start the sitting.

"Then, we Pakatan Harapan representatives stood up to ask Sungai Udang to sit down and follow the agenda.

"This was when Norhizam stared at us and shouted 'Babi duduk!' (sit down, you pig)," Low told Malaysiakini.

His comment came as a response to Norhizam's claim that it was Low and other Harapan assemblypersons who started the fight by provoking Norhizam.

"I challenge him to prove his accusation," Low added.

On Monday, the first Malacca state legislative assembly sitting was interrupted just as it was about to begin, as representatives from both sides of the divide got into a shouting match over Speaker Omar Jaafar's refusal to allow motions filed by Chief Minister Sulaiman Md Ali (Lendu-Umno).

For the record, this was the assembly's first sitting after Perikatan Nasional took over the state administration from Harapan. Omar, who is a former state PKR chief, was appointed as the assembly speaker by the Harapan leadership in 2018.

As an altercation occurred between Idris and Omar over the issue of motions, another verbal fight erupted in the background which saw Norhizam and Low exchanging verbal abuse.

Norhizam was heard calling Low "babi", while the latter returned the favour by calling Norhizam "pengkhianat".

Norhizam had called Low "babi" several times while pointing his finger at Low.

Low responded with, "Kau pengkhianat!" (You're a traitor.)

It is believed that Low was referring to Norhizam's decision to cross over from DAP to support PN, which led to the fall of the Harapan state government. Norhizam had won the state seat on DAP's ticket during the 14th general election in 2018. - Mkini