Uproar in Dewan as MP labels Kelantan exco man ‘very stupid’

Uproar in Dewan as MP labels Kelantan exco man ‘very stupid’

KUALA LUMPUR: An uproar broke out in the Dewan Rakyat this afternoon after a backbencher criticised a Kelantan exco member’s proposal to turn the monsoon season into a tourism product, calling it “very stupid”.

Jimmy Puah (PH-Tebrau) expressed outrage over state tourism, culture, arts and heritage committee chairman Kamarudin Noor’s suggestion, accusing him of attempting to capitalise on the suffering of flood victims in Kelantan.

Kamarudin reportedly suggested activities like surfing and promoting monsoon-specific food to attract tourists.

He later clarified that his comments were aimed at marketing the monsoon season, not the floods.

“I think it is not only sensitive, but also very stupid. How can we take the people’s suffering and show it (as a tourist attraction) to other people?” Puah said while debating the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry’s 2025 budget at the committee level today.

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Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) demanded that Puah retract his statement.

“He (Puah) does not know the difference between monsoon and floods. He needs to improve his Bahasa (Melayu),” he said.

However, Puah stood by his statement and argued that the monsoon season is often synonymous with flooding.

Acting deputy speaker Suhaizan Kaiat attempted to restore order but the shouting match continued.

RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) interjected and suggested that Puah consider using more diplomatic language, proposing a replacement for “very stupid”.

Following further objections from the opposition, Puah withdrew his “very stupid” remark and substituted it with “not smart”.