Nancy (GPS-Batang Sadong) said Sarawak had only received about half of the allocation of funds promised by Pakatan Harapan (PH) in its manifesto, adding that Sarawakians were “not hard to please”.
“I want to strongly refute Bagan’s allegation, which is clearly a lie,” she said during the debate on the 2020 Budget, referring to Lim, who is the Bagan MP and finance minister.
“A few days ago, he insulted the people of Sarawak by calling us greedy beggars when we, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), were only carrying out our responsibility with regards to the budget.
“We were only demanding out rights. From the allocation of RM9.6 billion or 17.1% of the total development expenditure for 2020, Sarawak and Sabah only received RM4.4 billion and RM5.2 billion, respectively.
“Is it necessary for Sarawakians to be insulted this way? I’m aware the minister doesn’t have any consideration for GPS, but does he have to insult us with a budget that breaks the promises PH made?”
Nancy reminded Lim of PH’s pledges to Sarawakians before the 14th general election.
“I don’t have to repeat myself, please watch the video. The minister knows what he said (before the polls).”
Kasthuri Patto (PH-Batu Kawan) then stood up to interrupt Nancy, asking her to reveal which newspaper had reported Lim as saying Sarawakians were “greedy beggars”.
Kasthuri said Nancy should retract her statement if it was false as it insulted the Dewan Rakyat.
Nancy replied that it was reported by a Sarawak newspaper, and asked Kasthuri to research it herself.
“What does ‘begging and beggar’ mean when translated to Bahasa Malaysia? I don’t want to bother (with Batu Kawan). I’m a Sarawakian, I know better the spirit (of Sarawak),” she said.
Nancy also criticised Lim by saying he did not have firm principles.
“Earlier this year, the minister tried to incite Sarawak by saying its reserves were huge and asking why the state did not pay its debts.
“Six months later, he changed his statement, saying Sarawak will be bankrupt. Which is the truth, which is the lie?” she asked.
She said Lim knew how to put on a show to influence Sarawakians, adding that she was sure he would put up a new “movie script” for the upcoming state elections.
“The people of Sarawak are not as stupid and despicable as assumed by the minister,” she said.
Several Sarawak PH MPs stood up to interrupt Nancy but deputy speaker Rashid Hasnon told them to let her carry on.