PN MP apologises after linking Menu Rahmah to diseases

Kapar MP Dr Halimah Ali today apologised if her statement on Rahmah Menu in the Dewan Rakyat had been misleading or misunderstood.

Halimah, who is an MP of Perikatan Nasional, delivered her statement in the form of a poem before the debate session on the Supply Bill 2023.

"Kalau ada jarum peniti, jangan disimpan di dalam peti, andai ada ucapan disalah erti, saya menyusun 10 jari, niat di hati suara rakyat saya juarai, semak imbang kerajaan Madani, biar integriti, bukankah itu peranan hakiki.

"As elected representatives of the people, please refer to the Hansard on pages 134 to 137 on Feb 14," she said.

Dr Kelvin Yii (PH-Bandar Kuching) had raised the issue under Standing Order 36 (12), following Halimah's remarks on Feb 14 when debating the motion of thanks for the royal address, in which she had linked Rahmah Menu to several diseases, especially cancer, autoimmune diseases and autism.

Yii said the statement was untrue and irresponsible as it was not based on facts or science and could result in misunderstanding or the stigmatisation of people with disabilities. 

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul said the statement read by Halimah had been agreed upon between them both, adding that the case was considered closed.