KUALA LUMPUR: An Opposition MP was asked to "eat tosai" by Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Sadique (pic) following a heated exchange in Parliament over the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra) scandal currently under investigation.

       The verbal spat between several Opposition MPs and Halimah also led to V. Sivakumar (PH-Batu Gajah) ordered to leave the House temporarily by an irate Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun.

       The incident happened when M. Kulasegaran (PH-Ipoh Barat) wanted to know the status of investigations conducted by the Malaysian

       Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) into the mishandling of Mitra's funds.

       "I am unable to answer this as the MACC falls under the purview of the minister in charge of law. My advice is that you direct the question to him," she said in response to repeated interruptions by Kulasegaran over the issue.

       Halimah then told the House that a special briefing session will be held this coming March 22 for MPs on the government's action plan for the Indian community.

       "The Opposition chief (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) agreed to the briefing session and questions can be raised there," she said.

       However, several Opposition MPs continued to badger Halimah over the Mitra issue despite Azizan's repeated warnings to stop interrupting the minister during her speech.

       He reminded them that Halimah had already said that she is unable to answer their questions as the matter is not within her purview.

       "The Opposition MPs accuse me of not following House rules but when I apply the rules, they are not happy," he said before issuing his final warning for order in the House.

       However, Sivakumar was seen still standing when ordered to sit down in a raised voice from Azizan who also banged on his gavel.

       He then ordered Sivakumar to leave the House for 10 minutes.

       Despite this, Kulasegaran continued to interrupt proceedings and accused Halimah of deflecting the issue while Azizan was accused of "covering up" for her.

       "Have you eaten breakfast? Go back and eat tosai lah. I have already answered you yet you still don't understand my answer," Halimah retorted back to Kulasegaran.

       The situation cooled down as Azizan informed the House that it was time for their lunch break.