Don’t campaign here, Phee told

GEORGE TOWN: A Barisan Nasional lawmaker yesterday told a state executive council member from DAP not to use the state legislative assembly sitting as a stage to campaign for the 14th General Election.

Datuk Mohd Zain Ahmad (BN Penaga) told Phee Boon Poh (DAP-Sungai Puyu) that he lacked experience to speak despite being a part of the assembly for years.

This was after Phee accused BN, particularly Umno, of not being serious in combating graft, and said he had proof to justify his claims, which sparked a shouting match between politicians from both sides of the divide.

Zain told Phee to take a look at the daily newspapers, which had been filled with news of numerous arrests involving graft recently.

“If you have proof (of your claims), go make a police report.

“I have been listening to you (Phee) speaking for four years now. You have not changed and I am disgusted with you.

“More importantly, don’t use this sitting to campaign for the 14th General Election,” he said.

Zain also told Phee not to simply accuse BN and Umno of not being serious in combating graft.

“That is not right at all. Our stand is very clear... We are against graft.

“Just take a look at the chief minister himself, who has been charged with graft.

“Don’t force us to open our mouth and talk about the chief minister,” he said.

Earlier, Shariful Azhar Othman (BN-Bertam) demanded that Phee retract his claims.

“You are making a wild allegation and talking rubbish. Take care with what you say. You have a foul mouth,” he said.

R.S.N. Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) then stood up to defend Phee.

A verbal war ensued, prompting Deputy Speaker Datuk Maktar Shapee to call for calm and told Phee to continue his winding-up speech.