A shouting match and heated exchanges in the Dewan Rakyat today led to a stern reprimand from Speaker Johari Abdul, who admonished members of parliament for their behavior.
Taking over the session from Deputy Speaker Suhaizan Kayat, Johari reminded the MPs that schoolchildren were present in the gallery, observing the proceedings.
“There are schoolchildren here. I can also hear swearing and the use of bad language from the chamber, yet we say we want this country and its leaders to progress,” he said.
He called on all members to show respect and urged them to “Shut up, both sides, and please sit down,” emphasizing that MPs are only permitted to stand with a valid point of order.
However, Johari’s warning was initially disregarded as Awang Solahuddin Hashim (PN – Pendang) and RSN Rayer (PH – Jelutong) continued to speak over one another. The Speaker cautioned both MPs, threatening suspension if they did not comply.
“Pendang and Jelutong, do you want me to suspend you? Please behave. What is this behavior? What kind of elected representatives are you?” he said.
“Embarrassing. Very shameful of you all. Shameful. You are already old, not children, yet you want to fight. No one should fight after this.”
The conflict began during a debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan, when Abdul Hadi Awang (PN – Marang) implied that Kuala Lumpur’s problems were caused by the current unity government.
His speech, which included a poem with the line, “KL is problematic due to DAP, Pakatan Harapan (PH) and friends,” prompted an uproar from government backbenchers.
Chong Zemin (PH–Kampar) and Rayer raised points of order, arguing that Abdul Hadi’s remarks were not relevant to the substantive issues of the plan.
Later, Rayer raised another point of order, seeking guidance from the Speaker about what he claimed was an act of intimidation by Awang and Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN – Arau). Rayer recounted that after his speech, Awang, along with Shahidan and other Pas MPs, stood by the back door and challenged him to a fight outside.
“Everyone saw it, so I went out to ask what their problem was. This was an act of provocation, challenging my right to speak,” Rayer stated.
In response, Johari said he did not hear Abdul Hadi’s comments but would review the official Hansard record and camera footage. He asked the members to drop the matter for the day, promising to make a decision on the issue the following day.
