KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul has reminded MPs to be cautious with the use of religious terms during debates, saying such language could lead to misunderstandings and prolonged arguments in the House.
Johari said the use of terms such as “munafik” (hypocrite) may seem normal to those with deep religious knowledge, but could cause undue concern among those less familiar with their meanings, including non-Muslims.
“I did not go to a religious school. I went to an English school, and I’m afraid of using words that may have deeper meanings that I do not understand.
“If someone calls me a 'munafik', I will go home with a fever. And that’s how it also is for both Muslims and non-Muslims, who tremble when they hear such words, especially when they come from those with religious knowledge,” he said.
Johari said MPs should take into account the different levels of understanding of such terms among their colleagues, including those from Sabah and Sarawak.
“(The use of such terms) can lead to unending debate. This is why I ask MPs to watch their conduct,” he said.
Earlier, RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) invoked Standing Order 36(4), which prohibits the use of offensive language, in response to Takiyuddin Hassan’s (PN-Kota Bharu) debate on the 2027 budget.
Rayer claimed Takiyuddin’s translation of a hadith into Malay, as well as the use of the words “munafik” and “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.
Johari said he would check the Hansard before ruling on the matter tomorrow, as he was not in the Dewan at the time and had not heard the speech in question.