Jahara, Rayer locked horns in second day Penang State Legislation Assembly

GEORGE TOWN: Temperatures soared and shouting matches erupted when Penang Legislature Opposition Leader Datuk Jahara Hamid (BN – Teluk Air Tawar) took part in the debate on the motion of thanks yesterday.
The high point occurred when she spoke about the need for integrity of the person holding the position of chief minister.
“Based on the responsibilities of the person, if the person’s integrity is under question when charged in court …” she said.
She could not finish her sentence when RSN Rayer (DAP – Seri Delima) interjected to loudly point out that this was sub judice.
Jahara tried to finish and was heard saying “mengundur diri” (step aside) adding she was raising the issue in the public interest while Rayer hammered home his point of sub judice.
Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang however told the Assembly he will “tahan” (stop) the debate if the matter being spoken about was sub judice.
Jahara defended herself, saying “berani kerana benar” (being brave because it is right) sparking another round of shouting between government and opposition backbenchers.
The shouting went on for a few minutes as Law struggled to maintain order while Datuk Mahmud Zakaria (BN – Sungai Acheh) threatened to walk out.

Law eventually restored order and reminded the Assembly that he was the one in charge of the proceedings.
Earlier, another round of shouting happened when Rayer told Jahara to show proof when she alleged the state was exploiting and discriminating against federal housing agencies.
“This is first class discrimination and favouritism,” she said.
Jahara compared the situation to a RM2 billion hospital investment at Peel Avenue which she said was fast tracked.
She asked why the land was not sold at the market price and claimed permission was granted for a hospital, hospital suite and a hotel in a short time.
She said the state had the upper hand in such transactions and should have imposed conditions which can benefit the people.
In press conference later, Lim refuted the allegation the land in Peel Avenue was sold below market value.
He said the land was valued by the Valuation and Asset Services Department (JPPH), an agency under the Finance Ministry, at RM156,440,000 for freehold, RM148,620,000 for a 99 year lease, at RM119,940,000 for a 60 year lease and RM96,474,000 for a 30 year lease.
He said the final selling price of RM156 million for a 99 year lease was higher than that of the JPPH and told Jahara to refer the matter to the Ministry if she was not satisfied.
When pointed out the valuation, copies of which were distributed to reporters, was conducted in Sept 2015, Lim said the valuation was valid for one year.
“We did not sell below the market price but according to the price set by JPPH,” he said.