Jeffrey told to withdraw term ‘alternative budget’

GABUNGAN Bersatu Sabah (GBS) president and opposition chief Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan was warned yesterday not to use the term ‘alternative budget’ by State Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Ahmad Abdul Rahman or risked being removed by the Bentara until the end of the session.

Jeffrey was speaking about the GBS alternative budget when Ahmad told him that he can criticize the government’s budget, but cannot mention ‘alternative budget’ at the August House.

“You can make your statement in the newspaper, but not here – you can criticize the budget whether you agree or not,” Ahmad told Jeffrey.

However, Jeffrey retorted that it was the first time he had heard of such a thing.

“There will be more coming. Don’t be surprised,” replied Ahmad.

He also called on Jeffrey to withdraw the term ‘alternative budget’ because he made it seem as if the government was incompetent.

“I have to be fair. Please withdraw, or I will ask the ‘alternative budget’ to be expunged from the Hansard,” he told Jeffrey.

Jeffrey ignored Ahmad’s request and asked if he could continue speaking.

However, when Ahmad pursued the matter, Jeffrey said he did not see anything wrong, to which Ahmad replied that he saw that it was wrong and that everyone also said it was wrong but had no voice.

After this, Jeffrey argued that it was his turn to speak but was stopped by Ahmad who said he had not stopped him from speaking but only wanted him to withdraw the phrase.

“I will not withdraw. This is in my right,” he told Ahmad.

Paginatan assemblyman Datuk Abidin Madingkir reminded all in the State Assembly that the decision of the Speaker was final and that they all had to adhere to whatever decision of the Speaker.

However, Jeffrey said the Speaker must be fair to everyone.

To this, Ahmad said: “YB, you are a man of letters. You are YB. You represent your constituency – I want you to withdraw the phrase ‘alternative budget’. Please do so or I will ask the Bentara to remove you here until the end of the session this evening.”

Jeffrey then said it was okay, but reminded that he had a right.

“I never denied your right but I want you to withdraw that phrase,” said the Deputy Speaker.

Eventually, Jeffrey agreed to withdraw the phrase but continued with his debate on how the state government can improve the state budget.