Rina Harun: MPs should be role models, remember Rukun Negara when debating

KUALA LUMPUR: MPs should be good role models for the rakyat when debating in the House, says Datuk Seri Rina Harun.

The appeal by the Women, Family and Community Development Minister came following the uproar which erupted in the Dewan Rakyat during proceedings to pass the long awaited Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill.

"I wish to stress that the Bill was passed in the House.

ALSO READ: Dewan Rakyat passes Sexual Harassment Bill

"I hope that we (MPs) will be good role models for those outside," she told reporters at a press conference in Parliament media centre on Wednesday (July 20).

She reminded MPs to adhere to the tenets of Rukun Negara and maintain decorum while debating.

ALSO READ: Hot and bothered: Shouting match in Dewan Rakyat during Sexual Harassment Bill debate

"We should hold on to the fifth tenet of the Rukun Negara on courtesy and morality," she said.

Rina was asked to comment on the uproar which erupted in the Dewan Rakyat while the Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill was being debated before it was passed.

ALSO READ: Jerlun MP reminds MPs to set good example when debating in Dewan Rakyat

She was asked if action should be taken against Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (BN-Pasir Salak) went on a tirade against Opposition lawmakers, even going on to call several women MPs indecent and foul mouthed.

The incident was sparked when Tajuddin accused several Opposition MPs of deliberately instigating and provoking their counterparts including the Dewan Rakyat Speaker during debates.

ALSO READ: MPs form multi-party caucus to push for parliamentary reforms

Meanwhile, when asked if action should be taken against Tajuddin, Rina said the matter was one for Dewan Rakyat Speaker to decide.

On Tuesday (July 19), Teo Nie Ching (PH-Kulai) said several MPs were prone to making sexist remarks while in the House.

Besides Tajuddin, she also accused Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (BN-Baling) and Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) of frequently making sexist remarks.