KUALA LUMPUR: There was drama of a different kind in the Dewan Rakyat today, as proceedings in the lower house of Parliament were halted momentarily when Datuk Dr Mansor Othman (PKR- Nibong Tebal) collapsed in the August house.
Proceedings were halted at 3.15pm as the former associate professor who was in the midst of his debate on Budget 2020 began swaying while on his feet.
“We found that the government’s efforts in introducing the digital economy is affected and this involved efforts on...” he said, as his speech began slurring and he began to collapse.
Seeing what was taking place, Subang Jaya MP Wong Chen immediately jumped from his seat and took hold of the collapsing lawmaker, while Ledang MP Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh ran from his seat to assist Mansor.
Deputy Speaker Nga Kor Ming immediately requested for doctors in August house, specifically Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, to help the stricken lawmaker.
“Please ask for the medical officers to get in here, to help Yang Berhormat Nibong Tebal.
“Dewan Rakyat secretary please ask for the doctor to come here immediately.
“If there is any MPs who is a doctor please help. Where is Kuching (MP), please help,” Nga called out.
The Deputy Speaker then announced that due to the situation involving the Nibong Tebal MP, proceedings in the lower house of Parliament would be halted momentarily under Standing Order 12(2) of the Dewan Rakyat.
Mansor was later seen being escorted by several MPs and officers to the Parliament clinic where he received treatment.
Dr Yii said Mansor had a syncope
episode.
Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness usually related to insufficient blood flow to the brain. It’s also called fainting or “passing out”.
It most often occurs when blood pressure is too low (hypotension) and the heart doesn’t pump enough oxygen to the brain.
“We need to find out what is the cause of the syncope. Will need to do an electrocardiogram (ECG) test to check his heart and necessary tests,” Dr Yii said.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting resumed after a 15-minute break, with Nga advising MPs to take care of their health.
“Let us all pray for the well-being of Yang Berhormat Nibong Tebal, so he will get better.
“This is not the first time we encountered such an incident, previously with Sepang MP (Mohamed Hanipa Maidin), so I advise all MPs to take care of their health,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail later told reporters that Mansor was in a stable condition and was able to recognise everyone around him.
“Alhamdulillah, he is ok, probably his blood pressure went down during the incident but he is better now.
“However, we must follow procedure and will refer him to the hospital for a full check-up,” she said.
Mansor who was taken out of Parliament in a wheelchair at 3.55pm waved and smiled at reporters, when asked how he was.