Motion to refer Bung to panel over expletive deferred

CONTROVERSIAL MP Datuk Seri Bung Mokhtar Radin ( pic) has escaped censure after a motion to refer him to the Rights and Privileges Committee for using an expletive in the Dewan Rakyat was deferred to the next Parliament meeting.

Announcing this, Speaker Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof said Bung had agreed to again apologise in the Dewan Rakyat next meeting.

Earlier, Bung had accused the government of unfairly targeting him in the move to cite him for using the “f-word” – which he later retracted and apologised for – during an argument with Willie Mongin ( PH- Puncak Borneo) last week.

“This is really unfair to me as other MPs have uttered similar rude words.

“If they want to take action, please refer to the Hansard for all the lawmakers who have uttered bad words and table similar motions against them too,” he told reporters in the lobby.

On Aug 7, Bung had uttered the “F word” during debate on the Sales and Service Tax (SST) after Willie asked him what “casino he went to” in apparent reference to a viral video purportedly showing the Kinabatangan MP gambling.

The Speaker, added Bung, had made a ruling after he retracted the word and apologised for it.

“This is as if the Executive is trying to overrule the Speaker. If the motion is put to vote, surely I will lose. I hope the Speaker is firm in this matter to determine the future direction of the Parliament,” he said, alleging that this was being carried out “just because he was outspoken and not a government MP”.

“For me, it is an injustice shown by the Pakatan Harapan government to stop my right to speak in the Dewan Rakyat,” said Bung.

The motion – expected to be tabled by Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin – had been listed as No. 5 on the Order Paper.

Pointing out that the Speaker had warned Bung on Aug 9 that he would be booted out should he repeat his behaviour, the expletive, it added, had offended the MPs, particularly the women MPs.

Under the House of Parliament (Rights and Privileges) Act 1952, the Dewan Rakyat has the power to reprimand, suspend or expel an MP.

It may also order imprisonment of up to 60 days or a fine of RM1,000.