A REMARK by Perikatan Nasional’s Kota Bharu MP Takiyuddin Hassan using the word “munafik”, allegedly directed at Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, sparked a heated exchange in the Dewan Rakyat today.
The term “munafik”, derived from Arabic, means “hypocrite” and carries a strong religious connotation in Islam, referring to someone who outwardly professes faith but whose inner beliefs or actions contradict that profession.
DAP’s Jelutong MP RSN Rayer raised Standing Orders 36(1) and 36(6), arguing that the term, which Takiyuddin used after citing a hadith, was inappropriate in Parliament.
Rayer said the word carried a deeply negative meaning, particularly when directed at the Prime Minister, and questioned why Deputy Speaker Alice Lau, who was chairing the sitting, had not taken immediate action.
“Does the Deputy Speaker allow him to use the word ‘munafik’ against the Prime Minister and we just let it pass like that?” he said during the debate.
Lau subsequently told Rayer to submit a motion to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker’s office for further action.
“I have already given you the guidance. File a motion and send it to Tan Sri Speaker’s office. That is all,” she said.
Earlier, Rayer had repeatedly asked Takiyuddin to give way so he could raise a point of order, but his requests were ignored.
Takiyuddin eventually stopped speaking after Lau switched off his microphone several times.
Lau later instructed Rayer to sit down and stop interrupting the proceedings. - October 19, 2026