“We are sympathetic and amazed at the endurance of a person named Wan Azizah, or better known as Kak Wan,” Najib had said.

“In facing a life which has been full of challenges, Kak Wan has continued to fight on with patience,” he said.

However, Barisan Nasional backbenchers and ministers were seen laughing at Pakatan Harapan MPs for possibly thinking Najib was referring to parliamentary opposition leader Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is PKR MP for Permatang Pauh.

In his speech, Najib gave more details of this “Wan Azizah”.

He said “Wan Azizah” was a person of fortitude who had succeeded in developing a million-ringgit poultry business from a mere RM500 loan from the government’s Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia.

“It seems Kak Wan is with us today.

“Therefore, let us all applaud Kak Wan Azizah Wan Salleh, who is up there,” Najib said, gesturing to the gallery.

A woman stood up to acknowledge his praise.

However, Najib’s dramatics did not go down well with PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil, who criticised the prime minister for indulging in “cheap politicking” by using a woman to hit out at his opponents in the Dewan Rakyat.

“This shows how desperate Najib is that he is willing to behave in such an unsavoury manner,” he told FMT.