Pas Mp S Autism Claim Will Only Spark Anxiety Among Poor Says Amanah Man

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The Menu Rahmah programme, which offers meals for RM5 and below, was launched on Jan 31.PETALING JAYA: An Amanah leader said the claim by PAS’ Dr Halimah Ali that affordable meals under a government initiative could lead to autism would spark anxiety among the B40 and hardcore poor.
Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah said such claims would lead to scepticism among the B40 and hardcore poor who were hoping for affordable meals under the Menu Rahmah programme, especially during these difficult times.
The Terengganu Amanah chief also wondered whether the claim made by Halimah was because she was envious of the widespread acceptance of the scheme “till the point that one lies and casts doubt over it”.
Raja Kamarul said doctors like Halimah should be more careful when issuing statements.
He also accused her of distorting facts for political mileage, with no regard for the welfare of the people.
“They are raising doubts over affordable meals so that the people will avoid them, without offering an alternative.”
Halimah created a stir after she was reported to have linked the Menu Rahmah scheme to autism and cancer during a Dewan Rakyat debate on the royal address on Feb 14.
Her comments led to brickbats with some MPs calling her to explain her statement. Others told her to apologise.
Halimah later told the Malay Mail that her remarks had been misunderstood and that what she meant was that the poor quality of raw materials used by restaurants for Menu Rahmah “could lead to the meal’s quality being compromised”.
Yesterday, senator Ras Adiba Radzi, who is wheelchair-bound, accused Halimah of insulting the disabled community by making such a claim and called for the latter to be referred to the parliamentary privileges committee.
She also said Halimah’s statement was not based on facts or scientific data and had given a wrong impression to the public.
The Menu Rahmah programme, which offers meals for RM5 and below, was launched on Jan 31. - FMT

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