Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Malaysia opens new parliament sitting amid chaos

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's new parliament descended into chaos on Wednesday as a revitalised opposition disrupted proceedings amid noisy name-calling and insults.

The pandemonium sparked concerns that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, already under pressure to quit after the March 8 general elections, could struggle to push through legislation.

"We have had the most cantankerous session in three decades," Foreign Minister Rais Yatim, a lawmaker for the past 25 years, told reporters.

The chaotic scenes were broadcast live on state television, prompting the information minister to reconsider the decision because he said the MPs were "playing to the gallery".... Here: Reuter India