Speaker loses his cool over profanity
DEWAN Rakyat speaker Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof lost his patience yesterday after one Barisan Nasional (BN) lawmaker hurled a profanity at the opposing bench.
Datuk Abdul Rahman Mohamad (BN-Lipis) was believed to have used the derogatory “p*****k” word during a question and answer session when debating on foreign direct investments (FDI) in the country.
He allegedly used the word against RSN Rayer (PHJelutong), who had just moments earlier used the term “kepala bapak kamu” (your father’s head) in reply to Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (BN-Larut).
Hamzah had initially interrupted a question by Rayer when the latter was asking Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Ong Kian Ming on the impact 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) has had on the country’s foreign investment.
Displeased by the use of such profanity, Mohamad Ariff demanded the person who said it to retract his statement immediately.
“I heard that. It is most impolite to use such a term. Don’t use such obscene language any more. Who said that word just now, I want you to retract it.
“This is definitely worse than saying ‘kepala bapak’,” he said.
Owning up, Abdul Rahman immediately retracted his use of the vulgar word.
Rayer also retracted his use of “kepala bapak kamu”, before saying “anyway, serve you right Larut”.
Hamzah retaliated by saying: “Earlier, I had asked the minister a polite question in a polite manner, but Jelutong only seemed to know how to interrupt others. I think you should not be an MP.”
Putting the situation under control, Mohamad Ariff warned all in the dewan to stop the shouting match, saying it would only prolong proceedings.
“Sit down, or else I will not hesitate to use my powers as the Speaker to take action.”