May 13 Rayer Files Motion To Refer Awang To Parliament Committee

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RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong) has filed a motion to refer Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) to the Parliament’s Rights and Privileges Committee, following claims that the latter warned the government of a potential repeat of the May 13, 1969, racial riots.
“I want to state here that what was expressed by Pendang (Awang) amounts to incitement.
“This is not only a breach of house rules but also a potential offence under the Sedition Act.
“Therefore, today I have submitted a motion to the Dewan Rakyat secretary to refer the honourable member for Pendang to the Rights and Privileges Committee so that action can be taken against him over the statements made yesterday,” Rayer (above) told reporters in Parliament today.
ADSChaos erupted in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday after Awang warned the government of a repeat of the May 13 riots.
Pendang MP Awang HashimThis came after he claimed there was no specific plan for the bumiputera community under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
While addressing allocations under 13MP for Chinese New Villages, Awang questioned the lack of a similar specific plan for the bumiputera.
“We agree there’s no issue with financing for Chinese New Villages. But clearly, in the 13MP, there is no specific development for bumiputera.
“When we look back at the May 13 incident, one of the contributing factors was economic pressure on the bumiputera community.
“That’s why we’ve had Malaysia Plans one through 13 - to balance income and the economy among the races. But the 13MP doesn’t contain anything specific for bumiputera.
“Is the government trying to take us back to May 13?” Awang asked during an interjection to opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin’s debate.
Privilege not abolute
Unhappy with the remark, Rayer urged deputy speaker Alice Lau to order Awang to retract his statement.
Lau instead suggested Rayer submit a formal motion.
Commenting further, Rayer reminded lawmakers that parliamentary privilege is not absolute.
“We must understand that immunity in the Dewan Rakyat is not 100 percent.
ADS“If we touch on matters that constitute offences under the Sedition Act, a person can still be charged in court,” Rayer said.
He also challenged leaders from PN-aligned parties Gerakan, Urimai and the Malaysian Indian People’s Party to state their positions on Awang’s remarks.
Awang had previously been referred to the parliamentary committee over an allegedly defamatory statement concerning RM94 million in cash he claimed was found at a former minister’s residence. - Mkini

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