Debate on bills related to the Syariah court saw the day's proceedings in the Dewan Rakyat wind through shouting matches, including a 'seditious' remark, but end on an amicable note.

Last Thursday, the discussion of Malaysia's status as an Islamic nation had drawn noisy arguments from both sides of the House during the debate on the Syariah Court Evidence (Federal Territories) (Amendment) Bill 2005.

This morning, as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Dr Abdullah Md Zin wound up the debate, Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) reiterated his stand that the Federal Constitution states that Malaysia is not an Islamic country, but a secular nation.

The veteran politician cited the Federal Court decision in 1988 which had ruled that Malaysia is a secular nation, and not an Islamic country.

The decision was made by a five-member bench led by then Lord President Tun Salleh Abas, in the case of Che Omar Che Soh v Public Prosecutor , Karpal added.

Abdullah said he would leave the matter at this, as the matter was up to "personal interpretation".

Shouting match

Unhappy with the reply, Parliamentary Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timor) interjected to say the matter was not up to personal interpretation, since the court had made a decision. He too insisted that Malaysia is not an Islamic state.

Several backbenchers attempted to interrupt at this point, with vocal backbencher Badruddin Amiruldin (BN-Jerai) yelling "this is an Islamic state... if anyone doesn't like it, just get out of Malaysia".

DAP MPs went all out to protest and a shouting match ensued.

Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) cited Standing Order 36 and asked Badruddin to withdraw his remark which she described as unparliamentary and hurtful of feelings.

Deputy Speaker Lim Si Cheng did not immediate make a ruling, but advised members of the House to follow the Standing Order including that raised by Fong. He also told Badruddin not to be "emotional" and instructed the minister to continue his reply.

However, the shouting among MPs continued - some not even using the microphones - leaving Abdullah looking perplexed.

Citing Standing Order 26, Chow Kon Yeow (DAP-Tanjong) moved a motion without prior notice to request the Jerai MP to be referred to the Parliament's Privileges Committee over the latter's "seditious" remark.

The BN-controlled House voted against the motion later, ending the drama.

Met outside the House later, Chow stressed that Badruddin's remark was not within the scope of MP's immunity in the House. He added that DAP would consider lodging a police report.

All about polygamy

Later in the afternoon, Fong debated the Syariah Criminal Procedure (Federal Territories) (Amendment) Bill 2005, drawing another round of robust debate.

Fong wanted the government to look into loophole in the law which enables Muslim men to practise polygamy without the consent of the first wife.

She claimed that some Muslim men who could not get the consent of the first wife have gone to Pattani, Thailand, to have the second marriage conducted. This was then legalised in Malaysia after the men pay a fine.

Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) interjected to ask whether the loophole or lax law was the result of a male-dominated House passing legislation.

Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam) said the practice of polygamy today has deviated from its original purpose, which was to provide care for widows.

"How many men practise polygamy today because they want to marry widows?" she asked.

Idrin Haron (BN-Tangga Batu) told Fong not to perceive the "sweetness of polygamy as (something) bitter".

However, he also surprised the House by suggesting an amendment to enable men to practise polygamy without the need for prior consent from the first wife.

"We would just need to tell the first wife...no need to get their consent to avoid committing an offence (including) going to Pattani to get married and being fined later," said Idris.

In response, Fong said this "shows that (Idris) wants to commit more sins and that he does not respect women at all", she said to applause from her colleagues.

When Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) said "I have told you (Fong) from the beginning that (the MP for) Tangga Batu (Idris) is very dangerous", the House laughed.

Commenting on statistics that show a ratio of 1:7 between men and women, he added that Fong was not in the right position to comment on the matter since she is single.

Fong replied: "It is not nice to say that because I do receive feedback from complainants..."

Mohamad Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) tried to seek clarification but turning down his request, Fong quipped: "Enough, enough, Sri Gading has two wives already, so it's enough".

The debate continues tomorrow.