Several government MPs objected to the claims made by the Bersatu Supreme Council member, arguing that Wan Fayhsal was making malicious accusations in Parliament.
During the debate on the royal address, Wan Fayhsal alleged that Anwar had failed to attract investments and create quality jobs despite “appointing cronies” to government-linked companies.
“Under Tambun (Anwar), Malaysia has failed to create quality jobs. The only ones benefitting are cronies and big capitalists,” he said.
He also alleged that there was a link between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s privatisation deal and New York City-based investment firm BlackRock.
This is despite Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) previously denying that BlackRock was involved in the deal.
GIP, which was acquired by BlackRock last year, is part of the consortium that acquired MAHB’s shares, alongside EPF, Khazanah Nasional Bhd-backed UEM Group Bhd, and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
Sim Tze Tzin (PH-Bayan Baru) interjected, slamming Wan Fayhsal’s allegations as MAHB could not defend itself in the Dewan Rakyat.
“Don’t throw stones and hide your hands. Don’t be a coward and mislead the rakyat,” he said.
Wan Fayhsal also raised the issue of former prime minister Najib Razak’s bid to execute a purported royal addendum to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
However, Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi), who was standing in to chair the proceedings, disallowed him from discussing the royal order, citing a ruling by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul.
Tensions escalated when Wan Fayhsal accused Anwar of continuing Umno and Barisan Nasional’s outdated patronage politics by withholding allocations for Kelantan, including Wan Fayhsal’s constituency of Machang.
Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani) challenged Wan Fayhsal’s claims, stating that Kelantan is “one of the biggest recipients of federal allocations”.
Syahredzan then stepped in to restore order, urging all MPs to remain calm.
“We are all civilised people. If you want to speak, ask for permission first, and do not bring up the royal addendum issue again. I will not allow it to be debated as the Speaker has already ruled on it.
“If you are dissatisfied, you may file a motion on the matter,” he said.