Dewan Rakyat uproar over Hadi's poem blaming KL woes on DAP, PH

New Straits Times

a day ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Tempers flared in the Dewan Rakyat today after an opposition member of parliament implied during his debate speech that Kuala Lumpur's problems stem from the unity government.
The uproar followed Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang's (PN–Marang) 13th Malaysia Plan debate speech, in which he recited a poem containing the line: "KL is problematic due to DAP, Pakatan Harapan (PH) and friends."
The remark prompted government backbenchers Chong Zemin (PH–Kampar) and RSN Rayer (PH–Jelutong) to raise a point of order, asking presiding speaker Suhaizan Kayat to address the matter.
They argued that Abdul Hadi's statement did not address substantive issues in the 13MP.
The Lower House then descended into chaos as exchanges escalated into a shouting match between government and opposition MPs.
Chong: What if I say Kedah and Kelantan are problematic due to Pas?
Rayer: Why does Marang (Abdul Hadi) need to make such a statement? What if I say Pas is a party with deviant teachings?
Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim (PN–Pendang): Ada DAP memerintah masalah (When DAP governs, there are problems).
Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN–Besut): DAP is rude.
Following the exchanges, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who had taken over the session, reprimanded the House.
"There are schoolchildren here. I can also hear from the chamber the swearing and the use of bad language, yet we say we want this country and its leaders to progress.
"Give respect to leaders; both sides have been in government before, so please.
"Shut up, both sides, please sit down," he said, adding that MPs are only permitted to stand with a standing order.
Johari's warning, however, was ignored as Awang and Rayer attempted to speak despite his instruction.
He then cautioned the two that they risked suspension if they continued.
"Pendang and Jelutong, do you want me to suspend you? Please behave.
"What is this behaviour? What kind of elected representatives are you?
"Embarrassing. Very shameful of you all. Shameful.
"You are already old, not children, yet you want to fight. No one should fight after this," he said, before instructing Young Syefura Othman (PH–Bentong) to begin her debate speech.
Later, Rayer raised another point of order, seeking guidance from Johari over what he claimed was an act of intimidation towards him by Awang and Shahidan.
"From the first day, I have stood to draw attention to Pendang's (Awang) repeated references to May 13.
"Today, after the speech, I rose in an orderly manner and did not ask Marang (Abdul Hadi) to withdraw his statement.
"I only sought guidance in a respectful and orderly manner, as I respect his position as the leader of his party.
"However, Pendang then stood and made various remarks towards me, including being disrespectful. Together with Arau and Pas MPs, they stood at the back door, inviting me to step outside to fight with them.
"Everyone saw it, so I went out to ask what their problem was. This was an act of provocation, challenging my right to speak," he said.
Johari responded that he did not hear what was said by Abdul Hadi and would review the Hansard before making a decision.
He added that he would also check the camera footage and decide tomorrow, asking members to put the matter to rest for now.