KUALA LUMPUR: A short commotion broke out at the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (May 22) after Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) used the term "Muhyiddin's government" in the august Hall.
Lim had asked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim since the Federal Government was currently enjoying political stability for the first time since 2020, he wanted to know what were the key economic policies that allowed the country to improve the Fitch ratings that was downgraded during the administration of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
However, Jamaludin Yahya (PN-Pasir Salak) then stood up citing Standing Order 36 (5), that no MPs should refer to any other members by their name.
"However, Bagan had used Muhyiddin's name. I would like him to withdraw it back," said Jamaludin.
Several opposition MPs also shouted, "please withdraw now".
Deputy Speaker Alice Lau, who looked unperturbed, asked for the proceedings to go on.
Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) said that what was the point of having a standing order when it was not followed.
"What is the point of citing the standing order if it is not entertained," he asked.
Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim also interjected, asking the same question.
"If you disagree with it, please make it known," said Shahidan.
Lau pointed out that based on the standing order, Shahidan was not allowed to stand up to give a speech.
Shahidan replied that Lim had clearly used Muhyiddin's name in his question.
"He cannot identify the name but must use the constituency's name Pagoh. Perhaps he has ill-intention," said Shahidan.
A verbal match between Shahidan and Gobind Singh (PH-Damansara) ensued, with Gobind asking to proceed with his next question.
"What Bagan said was referring to which government, not the name of the individual in the Dewan.
"What is the problem with that? We all want to continue with my question. We come to Parliament, we want to ask questions, and we want the answers
"Why do we allow this? The person who asked about the standing order himself does not understand the standing order.
"Can we proceed with all the questions," asked Gobind.
The situation became more tense when Shahidan shouted that he was asking the question about Lim and had nothing to do with Gobind.
Lau then asked Shahidan to sit and proceed with the next question.
