No more derogatory or sexist remarks, MPs warned

DEWAN Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul has reminded MPs again that they will face stern action should they continue to utter racist or derogatory remarks in the House.

The warning came after a meeting with the respective party whips yesterday.

“I had a meeting with the government chief whip, the Opposition chief and the Perikatan Nasional whip on proceedings and reforms in the House.

“Among these is that house rules will be followed to ensure that racist, insulting or unparliamentary remarks are not used by the Yang Berhormat in this dignified hall.

“My deputies and I will take stern action based on the House rules should such words continue to be used by the MPs after this,” he said before the start of the debate on the motion of thanks on the Royal Address.

Johari had in various interviews said he intended to stamp out the use of derogatory or sexist remarks by MPs.

He said lawmakers could face a fine of RM1,000 besides a six-month suspension should they be caught uttering racist, sexist or derogatory remarks in Parliament.

His warning came in light of the proposed setting up of a special select committee to monitor the behaviour of MPs in Parliament.

At present, there is already a provision to fine MPs RM1,000 under the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952 but it has never been applied.

On another matter, Johari said proceedings at the Dewan Rakyat’s Special Chambers could now be chaired by MPs from either the government or the Opposition.

The number of questions posed to ministers in the Special Chambers would also be increased from two to four questions, he added.

He urged newly minted MPs to raise questions in the Special Chambers or chair the proceedings to gain experience.

There are 84 first-time MPs in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat following the 15th General Election last year.