Speaker and MPs clash over seating arrangements and allegations

Speaker and MPs clash over seating arrangements and allegations

KUALA LUMPUR: A brief shouting match erupted in Parliament after a backbencher MP became irritated when Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul was continuously questioned by an Opposition MP.

The issue started when Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) asked Johari to explain if the six MPs whose Bersatu membership had ceased were Opposition MPs.

Che Mohamad pointed out that the six MPs had sat with the Opposition bloc despite supporting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Johari explained that the six former Bersatu MPs remained seated with Opposition MPs because it was his prerogative to decide where MPs sit in the House.

Che Mohamad was dissatisfied and tried to ask another question, but he was silenced by Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat), who stood up and yelled at the microphone.

“Sit down, Besut. Sit down. You are wasting time. Don’t you understand what ‘sit down’ means?

“You are wasting our time here. We want to get Machang MP out of the House,” said Mohd Sany, referring to a motion tabled by the Prime Minister’s Department to suspend Wan Ahmad Fayshal Wan Ahmad Kamal for six months from the Dewan Rakyat.

Mohd Sany’s remarks were also met with laughter by several backbencher MPs in Parliament.

“Welcome back, Hulu Langat,” said Dr Mohammed Taufeq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani).

The motion to suspend the Machang MP came about after Wan Ahmad allegedly tarnished the reputation of several individuals when referencing a poison pen letter during recent debates in Parliament.

In response, Che Mohamad shouted back at Mohd Sany, as Johari intervened by threatening to slam the gavel in the House.

“It has been a long time since I used this gavel. I will use this gavel! Sit down!” said Johari.

Che Mohamad attempted to ask another question, but Johari swiftly silenced him.

Earlier, Che Mohamad had asked Johari for an update on a July 1 letter sent by the Besut MP to cite RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) to the Rights and Privileges Committee over malicious claims made during Parliament debates.

Johari explained that Che Mohamad hasn’t gotten a reply because of ongoing investigations.

“So, just wait for my answer,” said Johari.

But, Che Mohamad was dissatisfied and subsequently asked if this meant that he, as an MP, was free to make any claims in the House.

“Does it mean I get to call him (Rayer) a pariah?” asked Che Mohamad.

Johari said that as a qualified lawyer, Che Mohamad should wait for his answer as Speaker.

“It does not matter whether the issue is simple or not, but I must investigate it,” added Johari.

On Wednesday (July 17), Johari said the six expelled Bersatu MPs are still considered Opposition lawmakers because he has not received written notice from Perikatan over the matter.

Speaker and MPs clash over seating arrangements and allegations