Speaker: Don’t use offensive remarks

DEWAN Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun (pic) has cracked the whip, warning lawmakers that action will be taken if racist, sexist or seditious words are used in the august House.

Azhar said he had met party whips on Monday and they unanimously pledged their support to ensure racist, sexist or rude remarks would not be uttered.

“My deputies and I will take action based on the Standing Orders against any lawmaker, who defies this warning.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind the Yang Berhormat that it is our responsibility to uphold the decorum in the House, which is also the hope of the rakyat, ” he told lawmakers before the start of yesterday’s proceedings.“The people expect their MPs to raise their woes and problems, with the hope that the issues would be resolved.

“So please debate in a polite manner and uphold the decorum of the House, ” he said.

Last week, Azhar ordered Baling MP Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim to apologise and retract the sexist and racist remarks, allegedly made against Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto.

She had questioned why there was no women included in the Select Committee.

Abdul Azeez then stood up and retorted: “Tak nampaklah, gelap” (It is dark, cannot see) and “Pakai bedak” (use powder), triggering an uproar by Opposition MPs.

The following day, Abdul Azeez retracted and apologised for his remarks, saying that he did not have any intention to offend any MP.