Proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat were in uproar again when Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) angered Tourism Minister Dr Ng Yen Yen by questioning her citizenship.

Karpal Singh, who interrupted when Ng was winding up debate on the Supply Bill 2010 at the committee level for the ministry, asked: "Are you a citizen of Malaysia and are you a permanent resident of Australia?"

NONE Ng, who could not control her anger, said she was 100 percent a Malaysian citizen and was born in Kelantan.

"Honourable Member, please withdraw the accusation that I have another citizenship. The Honourable Member can take my passport and see," she told the DAP chairperson.

Karpal Singh continued to urge Ng to tell the truth until the Tourism Minister finally admitted that she was a permanent resident of Australia from 1990 till 1993.

"I have replied and now I am not a PR (permanent resident) anywhere. Yang Berhormat don't lie again, I have replied. If you (Karpal) are brave to make the accusation, you have to admit. I demand the statement be withdrawn.

"Now I am a full Malaysian citizen. I have answered in this august House but the Honourable Member accused me of lying. Withdraw and admit...if really have integrity...enough...withdraw...withdraw," she said.

The quarrel between the two also caused Karpal Singh to call Ng "menteri gengster" (gangster minister) until Deputy Speaker Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar intervened to cool the situation by asking Ng to move on to another topic.

- Bernama