Kota Kinabalu: Emotions ran high when Merotai Assemblyman Sarifuddin Hata demanded that food security and the high cost of living be discussed as the State Legislative Assembly’s question-and-answer session came to a close, Thursday.
“We could talk for hours about the increase in pay, but not about the high cost of living and food security?"
He emphasised the necessity for a discussion by saying: "Even the egg's box costs 30 sen now."
"The government is already taking care of it, but that doesn't mean we can't talk about it," said Speaker Datuk Kadzim M. Yahya.
Sarifuddin responded: "We demand more explanation," to which Kadzim replied: "Let the government finish the procedure before tabling it, the matter is being processed so why do you want to ask."
Sarifuddin continued to make his point on the issue, providing numerous examples.
At this point, Kadzim instructed him to stop talking and to take his seat.
Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong intervened, saying they had not yet received a response to their proposal to discuss the issue at hand.
"What else do you want to ask?" Kadzim said, adding that the question had been answered.
Calvin insisted that there was no response given.
Nominated Assemblyman Datuk Yong Teck Lee interjected: " When the speaker has given his ruling, it needs to be acknowledged. The opposition should refrain from creating drama. Even my own motions were denied on March 15, 2022, and Dec 1, 2021; my motions were rejected and the answer given.”
At this point, Sarifuddin objected to Yong's usage of the phrase "creating drama".
Sarifuddin advised: "You should consider the circumstances occurring there."
Kadzim then instructed the two assemblymen to take their seats.
Yong was interrupted by Calvin, who said, "At least you have an answer, we don't have one."
Kadzim then instructed Calvin to sit down.
The heated conversation between the assemblymen came to an end when Kadzim declared: "I have made my ruling. Let's carry on with the conference now."
