KUALA LUMPUR (May 7, 2008): By Husna Yusop, Llew-Ann Phang and Giam Say Khoon
Backbenchers attacked and put PAS deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa (PAS-Bachok) in a tight spot over the formation of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) and the Federal Constituion.
Among those who took swipes at Nasharudin were Datuk Dr Mohamad Shahrum Osman (BN-Lipis), Datuk Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak), Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi (BN-Batu Pahat) and Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau).
Nasharudin was debating his motion of thanks on the royal address in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) today when Mohamad Shahrum asked on the registration of PR and if he was representing PAS or the others.
Nasharudin said: "Despite not being registered, we have filled almost half of the house and are only 34 seats short from becoming the government. If BN continues with its arrogant attitude, it would be no surprise if the seats in the house will change after the next general election."
Tajuddin then quipped: "At first, I respected Nasharudin but now he’s showing arrogance. It’s unlike the teachings of Islam which provides for Muslims to be humble. You are an educated individual, maintain (this) please."
Mohd Puad then sought clarification from Nasharudin if he "could advice your friends, especially DAP, who frequently raise the issue of social contract which is important".
"The social contract, although not mentioned in the Federal Constitution, is something that helped form the country. Can you make the PR understand this so there are lesser problems in the house?
"Of course we lost, yes, we accept what happened but we are confident that we will return with a two-third majority but don’t question the social contract which defines the formation of our country," Mohd Puad said.
Nasharudin said despite differences in ideology and approaches, the parties successfully formed the coalition (PR).
Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) then questioned the BN on its part in defending the Malay rights as stated in the social contract.
"Where is the respect for the Federal Constitution provision for Bahasa Malaysia when Science and Mathematics are being taught in English?
"PR promises to return this when we come to power," Salahuddin said.
Khairy then interjected, citing Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur)'s statement asking for "no more distinction between Malays and non-Malays and objects to PAS' Islamic state".
"This goes against the multi-cultural society. Don’t sweep the question under the carpet," he said.
As if he were saved by the bell, Nasharudin was reminded by Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar that he had a time limit to keep to and only had five minutes left.
As he continued to wrap up his motion of thanks, Nasharudin was interrupted by Khairy and Tajuddin who demanded for him to answer the question about DAP and its frequent call against the social contract.
Azmin Ali (PKR-Gombak) then stood to say: "Why are we only hearing of ketuanan Melayu (Malay Supremacy) today when before March 8 (polling day) we’ve only heard of ketuanan menantu! (Son-In-Law's Supremacy)." (Khairy is Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's son-in-law) The house burst out in laughter and Khairy was seen looking for a Rule in the Standing Order.
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