Photo: Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: MPs may call Tan Sri Johari Abdul whatever they want outside the Dewan Rakyat but the Speaker has cautioned them to mind their words and actions in the august House.
“(If something) is said inside the House that questions its sovereignty or my decisions, I will take action.
“You can make fun of me outside, label me unqualified or uneducated, I don’t have any issue with that.
“My responsibility is to the House,” he told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Nov 6).
ALSO READ: Give more space to ask questions in Parliament, Opposition MPs urge Speaker
“I am here (in the Dewan Rakyat) colour-blind and responsible for both government and Opposition MPs,” he added.
Johari said his role was to ensure proceedings went on smoothly and decisions were made that benefitted the people.
“Those who want to play politics, go ahead. But don’t get me involved,” he said.
His comments came after RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) raised a news report quoting Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin questioning the credibility of Johari as Speaker.
Hamzah (PN-Larut) was also quoted as saying that Johari was the first Speaker with no legal background.
ALSO READ: Johari hopes more MPs will complete mandatory health checks
“Can such accusations be made whereby the Speaker is criticised outside the House?
“As the Opposition Leader, he should know to raise such issues in Parliament and not outside,” Rayer asked.
He also cited Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia who, during his tenure as speaker, took action against MPs who criticised him outside Parliament.
At a press conference last week, Hamzah was quoted as questioning Johari’s credibility, and called for him to be fair.
Perikatan Nasional chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan also claimed Johari had barred Opposition MPs from asking ministers three additional questions during the question-and-answer session, though this was provided for in the Standing Orders.
