THE Dewan Rakyat erupted in contention today as debates on the 2026 Supply Bill saw sharp exchanges between government and opposition MPs over alleged inequalities in budget allocations and the standards of parliamentary service.
During the committee stage of the Bill, Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) accused the institution of failing the Parliament and claimed that opposition MPs were being denied their rightful allocations.
“The unit’s goal is to become a premier central agency for the coordination and monitoring of national development. He said there is RM761 million within it, which includes allocations for Members of Parliament. He did not mention allocations for MADANI or Pakatan Harapan (PH) MPs specifically; he stated the full amount of RM761 million, but the opposition did not receive any,” he said.
Shahidan also requested that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigate the Unit known as the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM), citing concerns over the allocation process.
He further called for Parliament to implement a closed service system, whereby parliamentary staff serve exclusively in Parliament and cannot be automatically transferred to other government departments. “
“As an independent, credible, and world-class legislative institution—well, even in the world, and here in Malaysia, it has failed—I support Parliament conducting closed-door sessions,” he said.
The remarks drew ire from RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong), who cited Meeting Rule 36(4), condemning Shahidan for making disrespectful comments and accusing him of comparing Parliament to an apartheid system.
“How can one say it is an apartheid policy? Does he understand the meaning of apartheid? Do not undermine the institution of Parliament and do not use the word apartheid. You cannot use the statement apartheid… our country does not practise apartheid,” Rayer said.
The situation escalated further before Deputy Speaker Alice Lau intervened, asking Rayer to submit a formal motion for follow-up action.
Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor later admonished MPs for repeated disruptions, reminding members of Rules 7(4) and 37(2) of the Dewan Rakyat, and warning against ridicule in the chamber.
“If the Honourable Member disobeys the instructions, I will proceed with the charges. If the answer is unsatisfactory, I will pass judgment immediately after receiving your explanation. I will not allow mockery in this House. Remember that. I am doing my job. Outside, we can play around,” he said. - November 5, 2025
