KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul has ejected Pendang MP Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim after a ruckus broke out in the House when Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli called Awang a “clown”.
In his wrapping-up speech for his ministry, Rafizi said, "If you want to be a clown, you can do it with another minister," after Awang stood up to interrupt him again after being told not to do so earlier repeatedly by Johari.
Awang then stood up, saying that the remark was malicious.
The Speaker said, "Pendang, I order you to rest for two days."
However, several Opposition MPs stood up to defend Awang, saying that two days is a long time.
Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) interjected, asking Rafizi to withdraw his remark calling Awang a clown.
"This is an unparliamentary word that should not be used in Parliament," he said.
To this, Rafizi said that he did call Awang a clown, and said that Awang had made more serious remarks earlier.
"I withdraw my remark that Pendang is a clown," he said.
However, Awang still refused to leave the Dewan.
"I have told you repeatedly not to interject. I will be seen as unable to control the Dewan as the rakyat outside wants to hear what we discussed. That is why Pendang, you should leave today and tomorrow," said Johari.
Awang again repeated that he was called a clown and refused to leave.
The Speaker then asked all MPs to calm down and keep quiet.
"The minister has withdrawn his remarks, Pendang, please leave now. You are telling me (what to do). I'm telling you to go out!" said a visibly angry Johari.
Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) said that all parties should not use provocative words in their speeches.
"Please stick to the speech and do not provoke," he said.
The Speaker then ordered the minister to continue with his speech.
