Pendang MP suspended
from Dewan Rakyat for 10
days
Speaker Johari Abdul says this comes after Awang Hashim failed to retract and apologise for insulting comments made in a TikTok video in July.
Johari said the suspension came after Awang failed to retract and apologise for a remark he allegedly made in a TikTok video that insulted the Speaker.
He referenced a TikTok post from July 18, in which Awang made negative comments about the Speaker.
Johari claimed the comments, which had been brought to the attention of the lower house on Nov 6, were serious and required an immediate retraction and apology.
“I sent him a letter requesting both a retraction and an apology. I even instructed the Dewan Rakyat secretary to meet with you and I sought the opposition chief whip’s (Takiyuddin Hassan) help. Yet, as of today, you have not taken any action,” he said.
“The statement made in that TikTok video is not only a serious allegation but also violates the rights of MPs and dishonours this House.
“Since you have not retracted the statement or apologised, I hereby order Pendang (Awang) to be ejected from the Dewan Rakyat for 10 days, as per Standing Order 44(2).”
The opposition angrily objected to the decision, with Takiyuddin (PN-Kota Bahru) arguing that the Speaker could not pass judgment in matters involving himself due to a conflict of interest.
However, Syahredzan Johan (PH-Bangi) cited the example of judges taking action for contempt of court, arguing that a similar approach could apply in this case.
Hassan Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) suggested that Awang be referred to the rights and privileges committee instead to preserve the honour of the Dewan Rakyat and the Speaker’s position.
Nevertheless, Johari stood by his decision and said former Padang Serai MP N Surendran had been suspended for six months in 2013 for allegedly insulting then Speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia outside the chambers.
The government had tabled a motion to suspend Surendren and a ruling was made without any debate.
“Beluran (Ronald Kiandee) was the deputy speaker who chaired that session when the motion was tabled,” he said.
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