KUALA LUMPUR: Tempers flared in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (June 25) after a question on efforts to curb the spread of harmful sentiments and misinformation sparked a heated exchange between government and Opposition lawmakers.
This followed questions raised by Mohd Sany Hamzan (Pakatan Harapan-Hulu Langat) regarding narratives that circulated during previous election campaigns, including concerns over the practice of Islam and dress requirements in schools under a government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Sany then asked what mechanisms were being used to curb the spread of harmful sentiments propagated by irresponsible parties to gain votes and instil fear among the people.
While directing his supplementary question to the Education Ministry, Sany said such issues highlighted the need to produce students capable of critical thinking.
“For example, we heard that if Anwar became Prime Minister, people would not be able to pray, children would not be allowed to wear the tudung, they would have to wear skirts, Islam, Malay and the Malay Rulers would be under threat,” he said.
His remarks immediately drew objections from Datuk Awang Hashim (Perikatan Nasional-Pendang), who cited Standing Order 36(6) on imputing improper motives and accused Sany of raising false claims.
“He is mental. What he mentioned is fake news. He should withdraw it.
“Bring facts into this House. You cannot make assumptions or impute motives. That is a malicious statement.
“Focus on the pig issue in Selangor first, before you start talking,” he said.
Sany denied accusing any particular individual or party and maintained that his question was directed at the ministry.
“What do you mean by mental? Deputy Speaker (referring to Alice Lau), he should withdraw such remarks.
“Those were facts from your party. Your party said those things during the political campaign.
“And what pig issues? I did not mention anything about pigs,” said Sany.
As both MPs continued trading barbs, Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Alice Lau repeatedly called for order and urged members to take their seats.
“Enough. Are you not ashamed?” she said.
Lau eventually ruled that the minister need not answer the question and directed the House to proceed to the next item.
“I do not think the minister needs to answer the question. We shall proceed to the next question.
“If Pendang (Awang) is dissatisfied, he may move a motion afterwards,” she said.
