KUALA LUMPUR, 17 MARCH, 2010: Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim walked out of the Dewan Rakyat in protest of the maiden speech of Bayan Baru Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Mohd Zahrain Hashim as an Independent member.

Seeking leave not to be associated to Zahrain's remarks, Anwar left the House as Zahrain cast aspersion on his (Anwar's) leadership.

Much to the chagrin of the opposition, Zahrain, who was former Penang Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) chairman, said he left the party as Anwar failed to overthrow the government through crossover of Barisan Nasional (BN) MPs by Sept 16, 2008 as promised.

PKR members were led into believing by Anwar that he had the number to form the government, said Zahrain, adding that they were told that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was ready to give assent to the opposition to form the government.

"Even the Yang di-Pertuan Agong was said to have given his blessing to the Permatang Pauh MP as the sixth prime minister," said Zahrain when debating on the royal address at the Dewan Rakyat today.

A shouting match ensued between Zahrain and opposition members while several BN MPs joined the fray. Padang Serai MP N.Gobalakrisnan called on Zahrain to withdraw the statement.

Deputy Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee pointed out a standing order that the attributes of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Malay rulers, Yang Dipertua Negeri, judges or commissions could not be mentioned unless a motion was tabled.

Zahrain said PKR members were also led into believing that the chief of the armed forces had supported the opposition takeover of the government.

Tian Chua (PKR-Batu) interjected by asking why Zahrain blurted out his dissatisfaction only two years after Penang was ruled by the opposition while he himself received a "Datuk Seri" award from the state government.

Zahrain said the state award was accorded by the Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri while he raised issues concerning the state government’s failure in upholding Islam, tithe collection and the Maulidul Rasul procession.

Criticising Anwar for changing his stand when pursuing the Malay and Islamic causes, Zahrain said he lost his confidence in Anwar's leadership as he kowtowed to the DAP.

The sitting continues tomorrow.

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