How prickly some assemblymen can be at times

GEORGE TOWN: Malaysians are so madly in love with durians – even at the august house the talk is all about the king of fruits.

The issue of pricey durians came up at the Penang state assembly yesterday, and this led to a showdown between both sides of the political divide.

RSN Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) called Datuk Jahara Hamid (BN-Teluk Air Tawar) kurang ajar (disrespectful) after she referred to him as a “joker” for saying the exorbitant price of durians was because of Barisan Nasional and the Prime Minister who promoted it in China.

“After GST, increase in petrol prices, and now high- priced durians,” said Rayer, moments after state Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin (PKR- Seberang Jaya) said that durians were not controlled products and as such, the prices were determined by the demand and supply.

“You are a joker,” said Jahara, to which Rayer stood up and said “ahli Teluk Air Tawar you are a bigger joker than me and kurang ajar”.

Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang then warned both of them to sit down or risk being ejected from the hall.

“Durian is a sweet subject. Why are you fighting over this,” said Law.

“I thought it will be the least of the issues that will be politicised,” said Dr Afif before continuing with his answer.

Rayer also proposed that discounts be given for buying durians with the “I love Penang” discount cards.

“This is because if a person earns RM2,000 a month, he will not be able to enjoy the fruit as it’s between RM200 and RM300.”