KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has issued a stern warning to MPs not to slap sensitive labels on each other.
This came after the words “kafir (infidel)”, “Zionist” and “Yahudi (Jew)” were heard in the Dewan Rakyat during several shouting matches last week.
On Monday (Oct 23), Johari cited Standing Orders indicating it was wrong to use words that incited hatred against others.
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“I call on MPs to stop using the words kafir (infidel), Zionist and Yahudi and other similar words on each other.
“MPs must set a good example when bringing forward ideas for the people,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
He also called on MPs to put last week’s proceedings behind them.
“My deputies and I are (here) to facilitate proceedings according to the Standing Orders.
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“Debates should be for the benefit of the people.
“I will not compromise anymore, and will take action if words or actions like I mentioned earlier are brought up again,” he said.
He later clarified that such words could be used, but not directed at others in the house.
“Don’t label someone else as a Zionist, what more in current times which are very sensitive.
"If you want to criticise, it's another thing altogether but don’t accuse anyone of Zionism,” he said in response to Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-Indera Mahkota) who sought clarity on the use of such words.
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Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) then referred to the Hansard, claiming that he was accused of being a Jew and Zionist by Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) and Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) during proceedings last week.
To this, Johari said the ruling that such words may not be directed at MPs took effect from Monday.
“File a motion so I can see what action can be taken. What is happening in the Middle East is very sensitive so it's not appropriate when we direct these words at others in the hall,” he said.
Separately, Johari reminded MPs that it was not right for private matters reported outside the Dewan Rakyat to be discussed in the lower house, according to the Standing Orders.
“Private issues reported outside the hall must be settled outside,” he said.
On Oct 17, a shouting match erupted after Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN-Pengkalan Chepa) questioned Howard Lee (PH-Ipoh Timor) over the latter’s video on the translation of a verse of the Quran, which drew controversy last month.
It was during the chaos that Ahmad Marzuk was accused of uttering the remark "DAP kafir".
On Oct 19, another shouting match broke out between Perikatan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan MPs when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (PN- Pagoh) was giving his speech during the debate on Budget 2024.
Muhyiddin was speaking about subsidies when Khoo asked about the whereabouts of the former prime minister’s son-in-law who is being sought by the authorities.
While MPs exchanged barbs, Awang was heard telling Khoo not to act like a “Zionist”.
