KUALA LUMPUR – MPs who make racist and sexist remarks in both Houses of Parliament may be fined RM1,000, if reforms mooted by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Johari Abdul are approved.
He told Berita Harian that he had discussed this proposal with Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Rais Yatim.
He also said a special select committee will draw up guidelines on what can be considered racist, sexist and insulting as a guide for MPs.
Johari said that the provision to fine MPs RM1,000 already exists in the Houses of Parliament (Privileges and Powers) Act 1952, but has never been applied.
“In fact, we plan to further increase the amount of this fine,” he was quoted as saying in the interview, adding that he felt this is “necessary” because certain MPs regularly used vulgar words when speaking in the chamber.
This, he said, affected the public’s perception of Parliament which acts as the country’s legislating body.
Johari became speaker after the unity government under Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was formed last year following the general election.
The next parliamentary sitting, which will be its second session of its 15th term, will begin on February 13. – The Vibes, February 5, 2023
