KUALA LUMPUR:The debate on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2021 was chaotic today as it turned into a shouting ground when Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (GPS-Bintulu) claimed that Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah was scared of death.
While debating the 2021 Budget, Tiong claimed that Dr Noor Hisham did not dare to go to Sabah when the state suffered the worst effects due to the third wave of COVID-19.
The allegation saw RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) stood up to object to the statement, which he described as an insult to Dr Noor Hisham and the front line.
"DG only made news every day, what did he do? If it's news, that morning his office boy can also read. Why didn't he go down to the ground? Like KK (Kota Kinabalu) now, Sabah has gotten worse, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Why did he not visit every hospital? Temporary hospital? We should go down and see, discuss and give support to the frontliners. Doctors, nurses working there. Don't just send the doctors and nurses. Oh... those people are not afraid to die, but DG is afraid to die," he said.
Tiong said the Director General of Health should not just make publicity every day, and he further claimed that Dr Noor Hisham was trying to position himself as the Secretary General of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Rayer then rose to say Tiong should not have insulted Dr Noor Hisham, instead should have given due respect.
"Speaker, do not allow him to insult DG. DG is the frontliner,” he added.
Tiong then resumed his debate, asking why the lockdown was not implemented on the Prison Complex in Lahad Datu, or should have tightened the Movement Control Order earlier.
Rayer once again insisted, urging the Speaker to order Tiong to retract his words about the DG being fearful of death, and following that, a commotion erupted.
Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said asked the Jelutong MP several times to sit down, in order to decide on Tiong's statement.
Rayer's refusal caused Azalina to order the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove him from the Dewan Rakyat.
The Bintulu MP was adamant that he would not retract the statement, saying it was actually a grievance from the front line and the people.
Although some Opposition MPs objected, Azalina said she had heard and accepted Tiong's explanation, and asked the opposition to refer to the Hansard to review the Bintulu Member of Parliament's explanation.
Firdaus Azil
Wed Nov 11 2020
Tiong King Sing claims Dr Noor Hisham was scared to die and refused to go down to Sabah, when the state was worst hit by the third wave of COVID-19. BERNAMA file pic
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.