E Contrario

Deputy Minister of Information Tan Lian Hoe was whacked by Umno backbenchers in Parliament again (22 Oct). The decision for Gerakan to continue staying in Barisan Nasional was indeed a painful one (literally!).

Koh Tsu Koon’s efforts to show loyalty to Umno did not appear to be appreciated by Umno backbenchers. Poor Tan Lian Hoe become the “whipping boy(girl)” on behalf of Tsu Koon.

Umno backbenchers took the opportunity of Q&A time to hit out at her. The outburst happened when the Deputy Minister was answering a question from Salehuddin Ayub (MP for Kubang Kerian).

Salehuddin asked why is government-controlled media very frequently broadcast news that incite racial sentiments.

Tan was diplomatic and tried to defend the government, she denied the allegations: “… sebenarnya RTM menyiarkan berita-berita yang mempunyai nilai berita. Saya ingat RTM… tidak mengungkit-ungkit perkara-perkara yang tidak benar.” (RTM only broadcast issues with news value. I think RTM never spread false news.)

Immediately the monkeys jumped on their chairs to attack her: MPs for Sri Gading, Batu Pahat, Lenggong, etc. All of them accused her for distorting history.

Tan was tense and clearly intimidated. She answered the issue had been settled. Umno MPs became more furious.

I think most opposition MPs sympathized with the Gerakan leader. She received no support from other BN MPs (including MIC, MCA, or SUPP, not to mention Umno).

Although she tried hard to explain that she did not mean to insult or undermine the position of Bumiputras or Malays, Umno MPs continued their yelling.

I tried to help her by raising a point of order: since the issue of Tan Lian Hoe’s statement was not raised in the Parliament, in fact it was her speech in Gerakan meeting, there was no need for the Deputy Minister to respond.

I stood up to ask the Speaker to intervene: “the Deputy Minister should only answer to the formal question (by MP for Kubang Krain), not to the Umno backbenchers”

The situation only calmed down after the Speaker gave stern warning to Umno MPs.

Koh Tsu Koon should come to Parliament and witness the circus himself. Is Gerakan prepared to continue to pay this price for their insistence to stay with BN?

Parliament drama: