PROCEEDINGS in the august House were briefly disrupted when a heated exchange erupted between two lawmakers over misinformation and harmful political narratives allegedly used during previous election campaigns.
The incident was sparked when Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) interjected during Ministers’ Question Time while Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Marhamah Rosli was answering a question.
He took a veiled swipe at the opposition when raising concerns that certain parties had used such narratives against the government during election campaigns to sway voters’ sentiments.
This included claims related to Islam, school dress requirements and other issues under the administration led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, he said.
“For example, we heard claims 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 and that Islam, the Malays and the Malay Rulers would be under threat,” he said.
Mohd Sany asked what mechanisms were in place to curb the spread of such narratives, which he said were used by irresponsible parties to instil fear and influence voters.
He noted that such issues underscored the need to develop students capable of critical thinking, and questioned what steps the Education Ministry was taking to address the matter.
Mohd Sany’s remarks drew objections from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), who cited Standing Order 36(6), accusing him of making false claims and assumptions about such narratives.
“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.
Mohd Sany vehemently denied accusing any individual or party, insisting that his remarks referred to past campaign narratives.
“What do you mean by mental? Deputy Speaker (Alice Lau), he should withdraw such remarks,” he said, adding that such narratives had been used by Awang’s party previously.
“And what pig issue? I did not mention anything about pigs.”
Both MPs continued trading barbs despite Lau’s repeated calls for order, including directing both of them to sit down.
She reminded the lawmakers to be more mindful of their conduct.
“Enough. Are you not ashamed?” she said.
“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.
