KUALA LUMPUR (July 10): The Dewan Rakyat was briefly disrupted on Wednesday morning, when Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook appeared uncomfortable, and had difficulty breathing during a question-and-answer session.

Loke was scheduled to answer the first question from Subang Member of Parliament Wong Chen about regulations permitting drivers with disabilities who hold an A/A1 licence to work as e-hailing drivers.

However, the transport minister was seen suddenly coughing and gasping, and he asked for some time to calm himself down.

The situation prompted Tampin MP Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa to suggest that Loke rest and seek a medical examination at the hospital.

Loke then signalled his deputy, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, who was also in the House, to proceed with the session.

Upon taking over, Habibollah advised Loke to sit down and rest.

"YB (Loke), calm yourself down, and I will answer this first," the deputy minister said.

However, Loke's condition later appeared to have improved, as he responded to supplementary questions posed by Wong Chen.