KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim underscored the importance of official diplomatic engagements after opposition members disrupted proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat during the Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQT).

As the Prime Minister was addressing a query, Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul informed the House that a delegation led by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam, had arrived in Malaysia and was awaiting Anwar in Putrajaya.

When opposition MPs continued to demand answers to unrelated questions, Anwar firmly reminded them of the official visit.

“A delegation from Vietnam is on an official visit. Do you not understand what an official visit means?” he said in the Lower House on Thursday (Nov 21).

The exchange followed a heated session sparked by RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who drew parallels between Anwar’s global recognition and that of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.

Rayer’s comments triggered jeers and sarcastic remarks from opposition MPs, with some suggesting that Rayer deserved a ministerial post for his praise.

However, Rayer remained undeterred and directed his question to Anwar, asking for clarification on a previously criticised term, “respected convict.”

The situation escalated as opposition MPs, including Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid Tanah) and Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut), interrupted repeatedly, prompting Johari to intervene.

Johari eventually ruled that Anwar did not need to respond to the supplementary question and allowed him to leave to attend to the waiting delegation.

As he exited, Anwar addressed the opposition MPs, brushing off their provocations.

“I must say, these insults don’t bother me. I have work to do. I’ve endured insults for decades, and on the opposite side, some were once my strongest defenders. Thank you,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/21/anwar-prioritises-vietnam-delegation-amid-heated-parliament-session