KUALA LUMPUR: Pasir Salak MP Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman was referred to the Parliament's Rights and Privileges Committee for questioning if Chin Peng's ash was used as a Vibuthi by a Pakatan Harapan lawmaker.
The decision to refer Tajuddin to the committee came after Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran moved a motion under Standing Order 48.
Kulasegaran said he raised the motion as Tajuddin's remark was racially insensitive and insulting to the Hindu religion.
He added that Tajuddin had offended the feelings of Hindu lawmakers, and disrespected the House.
Deputy Speaker Nga Kor Ming told lawmakers that he would only allow one MP from the Pakatan and the Opposition to debate the motion before it is put to vote.
However, a heated shouting match broke out between several Opposition and Pakatan lawmakers shortly after Ram Karpal Singh (PH-Bukit Gelugor) began his debate on Thursday (Dec 5).
"What happened in the Dewan that day was very clear and what was said by him (Tajuddin) was not only recorded in Parliament's Hansard, but has since gone viral on social media," he said.
Tan Sri Noh Omar (BN-Tanjong Karang) interjected saying that Tajuddin had already been punished with a two-day suspension by Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Arrif Md Yusof for his remarks on Tuesday (Dec 3).
"He has already been punished.
"How many times do you want punish him?" Noh said.
War of words continued between several Opposition and Pakatan lawmakers with Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN-Paya Besar) accusing Nga of being unfair.
"If you (Opposition) don't want to debate and continue to cause a ruckus, I will not hesitate to put the motion to vote immediately without any debates," Nga said after his calls for order was ignored.
He then put the motion to vote with the House passing it amid continues shouts of objections from Opposition MPs.
In the incident on Tuesday (Dec 3), Tajuddin asked R.S.N Rayer (PH-Jelutong) if the ash on his forehead was that of Chin Peng's ashes.
A shouting match ensued which saw Tajuddin and Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) suspended for two days.
Meanwhile at the Parliament lobby, Opposition lawmakers said the decision by the House was unfair, adding that Tajuddin had already been punished.
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri said Barisan Nasional will not argue about Tajuddin's statement, adding that the latter had also apologised.
"We are not even defending Tajuddin, that is why we asked Pasir Salak (Tajuddin) to apologise and retract his statement because we do not condone insulting any religion.
"He (Tajuddin) has done so and he was even suspended for two days. As far as we are concerned, the issue was resolved but why was this motion brought up again," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.
The Dewan Rakyat adjourned sine dine Thursday after sitting for 36 days.
