Heated Dewan Rakyat row over May 13 remarks, Speaker urges calm

New Straits Times

a day ago

KUALA LUMPUR: A heated exchange broke out in the Dewan Rakyat today when a government backbencher pressed for two opposition lawmakers to be referred to the Parliament's Committee of Privileges over their recent remarks in the House.
The commotion reached its peak when Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul exclaimed "Ya Rasulullah" in an attempt to calm the Lower House amid overlapping shouts from both sides.
This followed RSN Rayer (PH–Jelutong) invoking Standing Order 36(9), arguing that no action had yet been taken against Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim (PN–Pendang) for raising the sensitive issue of the May 13 racial riots during a sitting, despite the current parliamentary session being only two weeks away from concluding.
"If such a statement were made by an ordinary person outside, they would have been arrested and charged in court.
"Many have asked why no action has been taken against him, as this issue relates to peace and harmony in our country," he said.
Johari responded that the proper procedure had already been initiated, noting that a motion had been submitted and a letter sent to Awang requesting his response.
"I have written to Pendang (Awang Solahuddin) for his reply, and the letter has been sent. I am waiting for his answer," he said.
Chong Zemin (PH–Kampar) then interjected, questioning why Awang could not explain himself immediately since he was present in the chamber.
"This is an important issue. May 13 cannot be used to threaten the people. If Pendang is here, let him explain now so the Speaker can make a decision. Do not delay for one or two weeks," he said.
Johari, however, said he was bound by the Standing Orders.
"Even though the Speaker sits in a high chair, I am bound by the rules. Once Pendang replies, I will review the matter and decide accordingly," he said.
Rayer later pointed out an apparent contradiction, noting that Awang had claimed not to have received the letter, despite confirmation from the Speaker's office that it had been delivered.
In response, Awang remarked that Rayer might have been involved in the May 13 incident, prompting Chong to demand an immediate retraction.
"Withdraw that statement. You cannot say such a thing," Chong said, after which Johari instructed Awang to retract his remark.
Awang complied, saying, "Ok, tarik (retract)."
The sitting then turned to Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN–Indera Mahkota), who raised his grievance that Rayer had also proposed referring him to the committee over alleged violations of the Standing Orders during the July 30 sitting.
He said the matter stemmed from his questions to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who had decided not to respond on the case of the late Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Rayer countered that Saifuddin had made insinuations suggesting ministers or deputy ministers were involved in the case, which he deemed inappropriate.
As Saifuddin, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN–Arau) and Rayer began speaking over one another, Johari again interjected, exclaiming "Ya Rasulullah" and urging calm.