KUALA LUMPUR: Members of Parliament have been warned not to criticise civil servants involved in the Malaysia-United States trade deal.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul gave a stern warning to lawmakers after a ministerial briefing by International Trade and Investment Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz on Wednesday (Oct 29).
"Anyone at this or that side (in reference to the Opposition and the government) who insults civil servants, I will take action.
"Do not make hasty comments – listen to what the minister has to say. Do not insult civil servants even if you need to raise a question or feel dissatisfied with the minister.
"I have heard people insulting the KSU (Chief Secretary) and so on. Do not challenge me!" he said.
Johari also said lawmakers have an opportunity to raise questions during the ministerial winding-up speech for the Supply Bill 2026 by Tengku Zafrul on Thursday (Oct 30).
Earlier during the ministerial briefing, Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal stood up and raised a point of order claiming that Tengku Zafrul defamed him for expressing disappointment that there were lawmakers who mocked and belittled the efforts and sacrifices of civil servants who worked tirelessly to negotiate and realise the agreement with the United States.
In his speech, Tengku Zafrul also thanked civil servants involved in the negotiation process that took 18 months to complete.
He also expressed dissatisfaction when lawmakers have mocked the efforts of those involved.
"I am disappointed that there are those who mock the efforts of our team. I understand if attacks are politically motivated but do not belittle the hard work and sacrifices of our civil servants," he said.
