KUALA LUMPUR: MPs have been implored to "use their brains" when speaking up in Dewan Rakyat, with Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul issuing a sternly worded reminder.
The clearly frustrated Johari said this after a shouting match erupted between Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) and RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) on Wednesday (Feb 26).
Awang had accused DAP of several matters related to mining issues in Kelantan, with Rayer raising the House standing order on this.
Johari had urged Awang to be more restrained with his words.
“You may be emotional when you speak, but as MPs, we must use our brains,” he told Awang.
Awang then accused Rayer of hiding behind standing orders and being anti-Islam.
An agitated Rayer said there were many DAP Muslim MPs, adding that he himself cared for the wellbeing of the Malay and Muslim community in Jelutong.
Johari intervened and said he was extremely disappointed with Awang.
“What is wrong with you? Don’t be emotional. Speak as an intellectual and a graduate.
“I hope you can behave like one. You are from Kedah. It’s embarrassing for us.
“When you speak, do it in a proper tone and drive the point across.
“When you’re emotional, it doesn’t help. Last warning,” said Johari.
Awang then asked for permission to leave the House temporarily for a short break.
Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), who took issue with Rayer’s statement, later asked the latter to retract his words.
A frustrated Johari, however, told Shahidan to remain seated.
“Arau sit down, You used to be a high officer in government and a minister. Please sit down,” he said.
