Opposition Wants Azalina Be Referred To Rights And Privileges Committee - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said was not only bombarded with questions by angry opposition lawmakers, but some even demanded that she be referred to the parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee for giving confusing answers in the Dewan Rakyat Tuesday.

The lawkers claimed that Azalina had discriminated against the five Pakatan Rakyat-controlled states with regards to tourism programmes.

The atmosphere became heated up when Azalina denied that her ministry had dropped tourism programmes in the five states after the March 8 general election, while actually, she said, the programmes had and would be carried out with active promotion by her ministry and Tourism Malaysia.

"In Kedah, the Visit Malaysia Year Go Green drive will be held from Aug 21 to 24, while in Kelantan, the Pesta Nasi 100 will run from July 9 to 11. This shows that the ministry still includes such events in the tourism calendar," she said in winding-up the debate for her ministry on the royal address.

However, some opposition lawmakers were unhappy with her answers and stood up several times to seek clarification but Azalina gave no way and continued with her winding-up speech.

The situation became even more heated up when Mohamed Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) suggested that Azalina be immediately referred to the parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee under Section 36 (12) of the Standing Order for giving confusing answers.

His motion was supported by Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) who said: "The minister came to confuse this august House. This should not be allowed. That is why Section 36(12) needs to be amended for the first time as presently a minister can abuse the parliamentary privileges."

However, Mohamed Azmin's motion was rejected by Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee as he said, the minister had replied to the issues and queries and any disagreement did not require Azalina to be referred to the committee.

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