KUALA LUMPUR: Proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat turned tense today following a war of words between government and opposition MPs over the word "munafik" used in reference to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The exchange erupted after RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) invoked Standing Order 36(1), objecting to the use of the term by Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Baru) during the debate on the Supply Bill 2027.
Rayer argued that the term should not be allowed in the Dewan Rakyat, describing it as highly derogatory, particularly when directed at the prime minister.
"The word 'munafik', which refers to despicable behaviour, was used against the prime minister. That was an improper use of the term. Are we going to allow such a word to be used? Everyone here heard it," he said.
Rayer also questioned Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Alice Lau for allowing the term to be used without immediately intervening.
Earlier, Takiyuddin cited a hadith on the characteristics of a hypocrite and referred to the term "waad", which Anwar used when tabling the Supply Bill 2027 recently.
Rayer repeatedly interjected to seek permission to raise a point of order, but his requests were not entertained until Lau intervened and stopped Takiyuddin from continuing his speech.
Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), then interjected, saying that Rayer had misunderstood Takiyuddin's argument.
Lau then directed Rayer to submit a motion to the office of Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul for further action.
"Submit a motion and send it to the Tan Sri Speaker's office," she said.
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