PETALING JAYA: Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has refused to retract remarks containing the word “munafik”, or hypocrite, made in the Dewan Rakyat.
The Kota Bharu MP said he has instead written to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul, asking for the matter to be resolved through mediation, Sinar Harian reported.
"During mediation, the speaker can call Jelutong MP RSN Rayer and I to discuss the matter and try to resolve it amicably," he was quoted as saying.
If Johari rejects his appeal for mediation, Takiyuddin admitted that he could be referred to Parliament's rights and privileges committee.
Takiyuddin, who is also PAS secretary-general, made the remarks during the 2027 budget debate earlier this week, prompting protests from Rayer.
The DAP man said Takiyuddin "went too far" by using the word "munafik", which he claimed was directed at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the budget.
Johari then ordered Takiyuddin to retract the remarks by Thursday, but the former minister did not comply.
PN sitting out Sarawak polls?
Separately, Takiyuddin said PN has yet to decide whether to contest in the upcoming Sarawak state election, with the state's legislative assembly to be dissolved on Monday.
He said the matter would be discussed soon, possibly at the PN supreme council meeting tomorrow.
He added that the coalition's focus at the moment was preparing for the Nov 14 Melaka polls.