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Kuala Lumpur - A heated exchange in the Dewan Rakyat (Parliament) today saw PAS (Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party) Member of Parliament Awang Hashim (Pendang) compelled to retract his statement after he controversially implicated RSN Rayer (Jelutong) in the tragic May 13, 1969, racial riots. The incident sparked immediate uproar and condemnation from the opposition, leading to the swift withdrawal of the claim.

The initial accusation was made during a debate, the specifics of which are still being discussed. However, the implication that Rayer, a prominent figure in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, had any involvement in the events of May 13 – a deeply sensitive and pivotal moment in Malaysian history – was deemed highly inflammatory and unacceptable.

The May 13 incident refers to a period of inter-communal violence in Kuala Lumpur in 1969, which resulted in significant loss of life and lasting social and political ramifications for the nation. Any suggestion of direct involvement or support for this event is considered deeply offensive and carries significant weight.

Following the initial statement, Rayer immediately demanded a retraction and clarification. Other members of the PH coalition joined in condemning the accusation, highlighting the seriousness of the allegation and the need for responsible political discourse. The Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat intervened to restore order and urged Awang Hashim to reconsider his remarks.

Under mounting pressure and recognizing the potentially damaging consequences of his statement, Awang Hashim ultimately conceded and formally withdrew his claim. He offered an apology to Rayer and the Dewan Rakyat, acknowledging that his remarks were inappropriate and regrettable.

This incident underscores the importance of accuracy and sensitivity in parliamentary debates, particularly when addressing issues with such profound historical and emotional significance. It also serves as a reminder of the need for politicians to exercise caution and responsibility when making public statements that could potentially incite racial or religious tensions.

The incident has been widely reported in Malaysian media and is likely to continue to be a subject of discussion and scrutiny in the coming days. Political analysts suggest that this episode highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining harmony and fostering understanding in Malaysia's diverse society. The focus now shifts to ensuring that such accusations are avoided in the future and that parliamentary debates remain respectful and constructive.

The Dewan Rakyat's handling of this situation will be closely watched as it sets a precedent for addressing sensitive and potentially inflammatory accusations made within the parliamentary framework. It reinforces the role of the Speaker in maintaining order and upholding the standards of decorum in the House.