KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition MPs may table a motion against Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul over alleged "stalking" and "sexism".
Perikatan Nasional chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Baru) said that the Speaker had claimed that he had hidden cameras and microphones in the Dewan Rakyat.
“On the day Pendang (Datuk Awang Hashim) was suspended for 10 days, the Speaker, in delivering his ruling, said, ‘Don’t play around. I have placed hidden cameras and hidden microphones that are not muted in this hall, I know everything that happens here.'
“This is recorded in the Hansard,” he told reporters in Parliament on Thursday (Aug 21).
Takiyuddin argued that such actions were in breach of parliamentary rules and could amount to a criminal offence.
“This, to us, falls under Section 507(a) of the Penal Code – stalking. Unfortunately, it was committed by the Speaker himself.
“This has been raised by several of our MPs in the committee meeting, including the members from Beluran and Arau,” he added.
Takiyuddin also took issue with Johari's remarks, which he described as sexist, saying they violated Standing Order 36(4).
He was referring to proceedings on Wednesday (Aug 20) when Johari told Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek to speak louder as her soft voice sounded sexy.
According to the Hansard, Johari responded to Kuala Krau MP Kamal Ashaari, who urged him to request that Fadhlina speak closer to the microphone.
"Yes, minister, please pull the mic closer to your mouth. They can’t hear. When it’s far, it sounds too 'sexy'. A bit closer," said Johari, according to the Hansard, which also recorded laughter from other MPs.
Takiyuddin further claimed that Fadhlina responded with an equally inappropriate remark.
“The minister was also being sexist, saying, ‘My husband is watching this live’.
“In the past, MPs have been suspended and punished for making sexist remarks," Takiyuddin pointed out.
“So we will consider this matter. We may take some related action, possibly by tabling a motion,” he added.
