Speaker orders probe, pledges ruling on MP's alleged 'physical threat'

Summary

• Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul orders internal probe to seek evidence of an alleged physical threat by Pendang MP Awang Hashim.

• Johari vows to take stern action if there is proof such conduct occurred.

PARLIAMENT | Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul has ordered an internal investigation to seek evidence of an alleged physical threat by Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) against at least two government MPs in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

During question time, Khoo Poay Tiong (Harapan-Kota Melaka) stood up to raise the issue of lawmakers’ safety inside the Dewan Rakyat, accusing Awang of making physical threats.

“Yesterday, Pendang invited someone to fight, to brawl. I feel the speaker should take firm action against Pendang.

“We talk about eradicating bullying, but what happened here yesterday was Pendang wanting to fight with another MP.

“I think that is an example of behaviour that should never happen. I seek your ruling,” he said.

Johari (above), in response, said: “I have already instructed all units in Parliament, including the video and audio units, to provide me with evidence.

“If there is proof that such conduct occurred, or that an attempt to attack was made, I will take firm action this time.

“You are allowed to speak, I haven’t even muted your microphone because I want to give you the opportunity… but when you try to resort to physical action, I think you have gone beyond - you have crossed the red line,” he stressed.

Chronology of events

The alleged incident yesterday started with an uproar when PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang (PN-Marang) ended his debate with a poem urging Pakatan Harapan leaders, particularly those from DAP, to resign from their positions in the government.

DAP’s Chong Zhemin (Harapan-Kampar) then stood up to cite Standing Order 36(1), over the raising of issues that are not relevant to the 13MP.

Tensions rose at this, and opposition members began shouting at him en masse.

RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong) also cited Standing Order 36(6), which says that no member of the house can attribute improper motives to any other member.

During the ensuing shouting match, Awang said there was no issue with Hadi’s poem, where the latter attributed a problematic Kuala Lumpur to the rule of DAP, Harapan and ally BN.

Johari had sternly rebuked the MPs and called their acts “shameful”.

The incident allegedly occurred as Awang and Rayer exited the Dewan Rakyat.

In his response today, Johari insisted he will not accuse any MPs until he receives evidence, and promised that a ruling will be delivered on Monday.

Reporting by Alyaa Alhadjri, Dania Kamal Aryf, Haspaizi Zain

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