Opposition walkout tarnishes Parliament’s image, says Najib
Cabinet ministers join in to condemn the walkout, with one saying Opposition MPs were no better than gangsters if they continue to behave this way.
Speaking to reporters after his two-hour Budget 2017 speech at Parliament, Najib, who is also finance minister, said: “They are embarrassing themselves in front of the rakyat. The people can evaluate their actions.
“To practise democracy also means that you must respect the process, including all values connected to the democratic process.”
He said opinions could differ but “they should not behave like this. This action also tarnishes the image of our Parliament”.
The Opposition, led by its leader Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, staged a walkout during the budget speech after Najib took a swipe at one of its leaders who had earlier said Budget 2017 would be a hogwash as the government had no money.
The Opposition MPs walked out of the august house and held up placards with the words “Siapa MO1”, referring to “Malaysian Official 1″ mentioned in the United States Department of Justice’s lawsuits in relation to 1Malaysia Development Bhd.
“People can evaluate for themselves the actions of the Opposition MPs today and decide at the right time.
“We can differ in opinion but we must respect and show good behaviour as leaders,” Najib added.
Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the walkout was a shameful act, adding the people can judge for themselves what the Opposition did.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said expressed disappointment with former Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin (Pagoh) for taking part in the walkout.
“I am particularly disappointed with Pagoh.”
She said there was no difference between the Opposition and gangsters outside if they continued to behave this way.
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