Lim frequently mentioned the caliph, a social reformist and one of the finest rulers in Muslim history, who ruled from 717 to 720.
Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya (Teluk Bahang-BN), during his debate on the Supply Bill 2009, questioned if Lim was qualified to invoke the caliph’s name or the phrase.
“You should not use these at your whim and fancy.
“Are you qualified to speak about the caliph? Even the phrase “amar ma’ruf nahi mungkar” has been used in your posters all over the place.
“It has not been ascertained if you or even Professor P Ramasamy is qualified to use them.
“The matter should be referred for clarification with the mufti who has to determine if you can use the caliph’s name and the phrase,” Hilmi added.
Permatang Berangan assemblyman and Penang Islamic Religious Affairs president Shahabudin Yahaya said Lim should not use the term “amar ma’ruf nahi mungkar” as he is not a Muslim.
Debating the Supply Bill 2009 presented by Lim last Friday, Shahabudin said Lim and other non-Muslim assemblymen and MPs should stop using them on the banners put up in the state.
“It means to avoid or shun wrongdoing, do good and to enhance one’s faith in Allah, and not to Jesus or to any “tokong” (deity). You are not Muslim, so you should not use it,” he added.
On the Budget 2009, Hilmi said there was nothing new or innovative about it except for the initiative to set up investment and tourism offices in the Klang Valley.
“Most of initiatives you have mentioned are already in place, which were initiatives implemented by the previous BN government.
“You should thank the previous state government for these efforts which you are now pursuing.
“Instead of setting up offices to attract investments, the state government should work hand in hand with Mida and Matrade so that when there are interested investors, they would be channelled to Penang.
“Even setting up an office at KLIA would defeat the purpose as tourists would have planned their trips way before hand and not only when they arrive in the country,” he added.
Hilmi also said the state government was being unrealistic in its claims to wipe out poverty in the state by the end of this year.
Lim then clarified that the state government had not made claims of wiping out poverty but hardcore poverty.
Phee Boon Poh (Sungai Puyu-DAP) then accused Hilmi of not practising what he preached about the poor.
“You refuse to attend meetings to discuss issues related to the hardcore poor and never even bothered to send a representative. It shows you’re not interested and as is the practice in Umno, always asleep and never willing to cooperate with us for the benefit of the hardcore poor,” Phee added.
Syed Ameruddin Syed Ahmad (Bayan Lepas- BN) then asked Phee if the committee headed by Phee was incapable of making decisions without Hilmi being present.
Phee replied that this was the negative mentality of the BN representatives, to which Datuk Azhar Ibrahim (Penaga- BN) said since the people had voted in the Pakatan Rakyat government, they should do the needful.
“You should govern and do whatever is necessary, why should we come and help you?
“If you are not capable to govern, then you should admit that and maybe then we can help all of you,” he added.
Phee then said at least the PR government was willing to include the BN representatives unlike when the BN was in power, when he (Phee) was never invited.
“This is Umno’s arrogant style of leadership, even helping the poor is being politicised,” he added.
Hilmi, meanwhile, said it was pointless for the BN representatives to be in the committee as they were the opposition.
“When you do a good job, we won’t make noise but if you fail, we will reprimand you. That is our role as the opposition, not sit in with you in a committee where we will not be able to criticise,” he added.
Even President Barack Obama (Democrat) is considering candidates across the political divide to fill the various positions once the Elections are over. That is for the good of the nation, where suitable candidates are appointed based on their expertise, not necessarily on party allegiance.
But here, the BN folks still think in terms of yours and mine. They think that Opposition is only good for 'criticizing'. Why not turn it around and give 'input' --- FOR THE GOOD OF YOUR CONSTITUENCIES!
You have every right to hentam the policies if they are no good, but why are you scared (takut) of being a part of the improvement process? Disgraceful backward mentality, Hilmi!
Guan Eng in administering the state, is willing to listen to 'the other side' in an open-minded approach. This IS unlike the BN's approach, where it has always been "My way or No way". Why can't you guys put aside politics and work for the good of your constituencies? Or are you still going to expect your constituencies to ignore your track record, or lack thereof, simply to be 'bribed' by goodies come the next General Election?