KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul has ordered Perikatan Nasional chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan (PAS-Kota Bharu) to retract remarks containing the word "munafik" or hypocrite, made in the lower house earlier this week.
Johari said Takiyuddin must issue the retraction by tomorrow, either in the Dewan Rakyat or in writing to him. He said the decision followed a review of the Hansard of Monday’s debate.
"If no retraction is made, Jelutong can submit a motion to me," said Johari.
He was referring to Pakatan Harapan MP RSN Rayer, who invoked Standing Order 36(4), which prohibits the use of offensive language, in response to remarks by Takiyuddin during the debate on the 2027 budget.
Rayer claimed Takiyuddin’s translation of a hadith into Malay and his use of the word "munafik" or hypocrite was directed at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the budget.
He said Takiyuddin’s speech went too far and asked for a ruling on the use of such words.
Following Johari's decision, Awang Hashim (PAS-Pendang) stood to defend Takiyuddin’s remarks, saying they were not directed at anyone. However, Johari rejected Awang’s attempt to interject because the PAS MP did not have a copy of the Hansard with him.
Misbahul Munir Masduki (PAS-Parit Buntar) then said he had a copy of the Hansard, but Johari denied him permission to interject, saying the matter could be raised with a parliamentary committee.
"This is why I did not want to open a debate on the matter. Those who debate it are angry when they speak. I have made my decision. If Kota Bharu does not want to retract his remarks, Jelutong can file a motion.
"The motion will be taken to a committee, which can deliberate on it and make a ruling. That is all. Do not dispute my decision," Johari said.
Awang then chided Johari for preventing him from debating the decision, saying the speaker was applying the house’s rules too harshly.
In response, Johari said: "You are taking the people’s time. Don’t bring politics into (the Dewan). You want to do so, go out. I am not interested in (bringing) politics here."