KUALA LUMPUR – There was an uproar in the Dewan Rakyat sitting today when Datuk Seri Najib Razak started debating the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s speech in relation to the national debt.
This resulted in the one-day suspension of RSN Rayer (Jelutong-PH) after he continuously interrupted Najib’s (Pekan-BN) speech.
Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor, who temporarily chaired the session after being elected by Speaker Tan Sri Azhar Azizan Harun, had issued the order.
Earlier, Najib, who started his speech eight minutes late due to insufficient quorum, criticised Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (Pagoh-PN) by citing the latter’s claim that he wanted to expose the country’s financial situation.
“Last week, Pagoh said he wanted to expose it. It’s okay, today I’ll tell you.”
However, Rayer then stood up and asked if Najib was trying to hit Muhyiddin.
Najib then did not allow Rayer to interject, forcing Ramli to intervene and try to calm the situation.
Rayer’s action was also supported by Khalid Samad (Shah Alam-PH), who wanted Najib and Ramli to explain why they were not allowed to ask questions.
“If not, give an explanation. That’s why we can’t have enough quorum, because we cannot ask directly,” said Khalid.
Rayer then tried to raise some rules of the Dewan Rakyat meeting, before Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman (Pasir Salak-BN) stood up to support Ramli’s action.
“Don’t allow him. This is abuse.”
This, in turn, saw Rayer training his guns on Tajuddin, claiming that the Pasir Salak lawmaker was ‘disappointed’ about not being appointed as ambassador.
“What does that have to do with the ambassador issue? This is rude. Being silent doesn't mean I can be bullied,” Tajuddin replied.
Rayer then responded to Tajuddin’s statement, describing him as “insane”.
Najib tried to continue his speech, but was interrupted repeatedly by Rayer and Khalid.
After being warned twice, Ramli then ordered Rayer to leave the House.
“What did I do wrong?” Rayer questioned.
“You are confusing the House. Bentara, please do your job,” said Ramli. – The Vibes, March 2, 2022