KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Pendang MP Datuk Awang Hashim from Perikatan Nasional (PN) has been instructed to ‘withdraw’ himself from the Dewan Rakyat for 10 days starting today following his disruptive conduct and for allegedly challenging another MP to a fight during proceedings last week.
Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul invoked Standing Order 44(2) after reviewing video and audio recordings of the incident, which took place last Wednesday during the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Johari said the opposition MP’s behaviour was ‘deeply inappropriate’, noting that the disruption occurred in the presence of visiting schoolchildren in the Public Gallery.
“Why did I take action against Pendang today? Firstly, because I was presiding and I witnessed what happened. Secondly, what truly upset me was that the gallery was full of schoolchildren.
“I was taken aback. We often advise our young people to behave properly, yet we often behave otherwise in front of them. It doesn't look good. I am sure Pendang has grandchildren, imagine if they had to watch their Tok Wan acting like that,” he said when presiding over today’s sitting.
Johari further explained that Awang’s actions amounted to contempt of the House.
The incident occurred last Wednesday during the debate on the 13MP, when heated exchanges escalated into a shouting match involving several MPs. The Speaker described the episode as deeply embarrassing.
Standing Order 44(2) empowers the Chair to order any member who behaves improperly, insults the House, or disregards the authority of the Chair to withdraw for a period not exceeding 10 days, and the member must immediately leave the sitting.
At the same time, Johari also banned MPs from using the phrase ‘parti ajaran sesat’ (deviant sect party) to describe PAS or declaring another MP as kafir (infidel) when in the August House.
“Do not use words that hurt, insult or provoke hostility. If you want to say those things outside this House, that is none of my business.
“But the moment you step into this Chamber, do not use such words anymore. Enough. Such hostility brings no benefit,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
