Cabinet refers Takiyuddin Hassan to Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee

THE Cabinet on Friday decided that Kota Bharu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan be formally referred to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee for further scrutiny, in accordance with the Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the referral ensures that the matter is examined through proper parliamentary procedures.

“The decision was taken after considering the points raised during debate and to ensure that the Member of Parliament is also given the opportunity to be heard by the Rights and Privileges Committee. This will allow the committee, which has a specific mandate under the Standing Orders of the Dewan Rakyat, to reach its findings,” she said in a statement.

The move follows the previous suspension of a motion to suspend Takiyuddin from parliamentary proceedings for six months, which was prompted by remarks he made linking a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) training exercise at Masjid Rusila in Terengganu to the 1985 Memali tragedy in Baling, Kedah.

Azalina added that the Government remains confident that the committee will conduct its examination responsibly, independently, and with full integrity.

 “The Madani Government believes that the Rights and Privileges Committee will carry out this scrutiny with responsibility, independence, and integrity, in line with the role entrusted to it by the Dewan.

“The government remains committed to upholding the dignity of Parliament as the nation’s highest institution, while ensuring that emerging issues are addressed within the framework of parliamentary democracy,” she said.

During the debate, tensions ran high as two representatives each from the opposition and the government interjected repeatedly, prompting repeated warnings from the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Johari Abdul.

The referral to the committee is intended to allow a more orderly and thorough review of the issue, providing Takiyuddin with the opportunity to present his side of the matter before any parliamentary sanctions are considered. - December 5, 2025