Lawmakers lectured over language

THE Dewan Rakyat fell silent as Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia ( pix) reprimanded lawmakers for using abusive words during debates.

Referring to the fiasco in the House on Monday, Pandikar said such conduct could escalate to a physical altercation if immediate action was not taken.

“I have always reminded lawmakers not to use such language as it could draw repercussions. That is why we do not use words that are against the Standing Order,” he said in a stern rebuke to MPs from both sides of the political divide.

“If issues like this are not attended to, it would come to a day when Parliament could descend into chaos, like those in foreign countries, where they engage physically rather than verbally.”

On Monday, Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman received flak from MPs for allegedly uttering a sexist remark against DAP’s Seputeh MP, Teresa Kok. Following Tajuddin’s remark, there was an uproar in the House as MPs from both sides traded barbs.

Pandikar, however, dismissed a point of order raised by Kasthuri Patto (DAP - Batu Kawan) to refer Tajuddin to the Rights and Privileges Committee.

He reasoned that the chair at the time, Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, had already made a ruling that Tajuddin was referring to Kok’s surname, rather than making an illintended comment.

“The matter was settled and a decision had been made at the time. A motion can be brought to the House if Batu Kawan does not concur with the decision,” he told Patto.

He also lambasted Patto for lying to him on Monday by stating that Kiandee had informed the Dewan Rakyat that the matter would be referred to Pandikar for decision.

Haikal Jalil