'Anti-Islam' jibe against Rayer earns Pendang MP three-day suspension

PARLIAMENT | The Dewan Rakyat has slapped Awang Solahuddin Hashim (PN-Pendang) with a three-day suspension following his refusal to retract his "anti-Islam" accusation towards RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong).

Deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker Ramli Mohd Nor delivered the ruling under Standing Order 37(2), after giving Awang (above, right) three warnings to retract his statement.

"Jelutong is anti-Islam, so I will not retract... I remain with my principle," Awang said citing Rayer’s past criticisms of Kedah's gambling ban.

"YB Pendang, one. YB Pendang, two. YB Pendang three, (please) retract. Do you want to retract?" Ramli asked before Awang responded in the negative.

"With that, 'bentara' (sergeant-at-arms) three days (suspension)," Ramli ruled.

Awang made the "anti-Islam" remarks against Rayer after the DAP lawmaker stood up to raise a point of order against him, citing an incident last Thursday when he labelled six Bersatu turncoat MPs as "enam jahanam" (the six condemned).

Rayer, who sought a ruling from Ramli, argued that Awang's "enam jahanam" remark was "impolite", "in bad faith" and "in contempt of the house".

"At that time (last Thursday) I had criticised him (Awang) that as a PAS MP, a Muslim, it was improper for him to use such a term and condemned them," Rayer said.

In response, Ramli noted that Rayer has a right to air his grievances and advised the DAP lawmaker to submit a written motion for Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul's deliberation.

Awang then stood up and accused Rayer of being "anti-Islam", sparking a brief outcry with Sim Tze Tzin (Harapan-Bayan Baru) joining in a call for Ramli to take action.

From the opposition bench, Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) stood up to defend Awang and accused Rayer of unfairly targeting PAS with his remarks.

PN MPs wear white ribbons in 'reformati' protest

'Budi Madani database for diesel subsidy developed without extra cost'

Teoh Beng Hock march: Brief altercation erupts between group, cops