Uproar in Parliament after Shahidan says Hulu Langat MP acting 'worse than a monkey'

KUALA LUMPUR: A brief shouting match erupted in Parliament when Arau MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim described Hulu Langat MP Mohd Sany Hamzan as acting "worse than a monkey in the jungle".

While debating Budget 2023, Shahidan praised the PAS-held states – Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah – saying that the states are enjoying harmony, and that this is proof of how the party governs based on principles derived from Islam.

However, he was interrupted a few times by Mohd Sany, who warned that PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) was in "danger" as now Shahidan might fight for the number two post in the Islamist party.

"Arau is dangerous," said Mohd Sany.

To this, Shahidan said, "I would like to advise Hulu Langat, who is worse than a monkey in the jungle."

However, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul had cut the Arau MP's microphone and asked him to quickly end his speech.

Mohd Sany then stood up, and asked the Speaker, "He used the word ‘kera’ (monkey).

"As a senior MP, he should set a good example. Please retract that word, even I don't use such words," he added.

Mohd Misbahul Masduki (PN-Parit Buntar) then stood up but Mohd Sany quickly asked him to sit down.

"This is between me and Arau. Parit Buntar please sit down," shouted Mohd Sany repeatedly.

Mohd Misbahul then shouted back to Mohd Sany and asked him to behave.

Shouting erupted between the two for a few minutes before the Speaker interjected.

Johari then asked Shahidan to explain himself and whether he had used unparliamentary words.

"If you are a person who claims to be Islamic, you will tell the truth, whether you had used unparliamentary words towards Hulu Langat," said Johari.

Arau then stood up, saying that he did not mean to say so and said that he had no ill-intentions.

"I just asked him not to act like a monkey in the jungle," explained Shahidan.

Johari then said that the "case is closed".