Malaysia

Parliament erupts as opposition challenges motion to suspend ex-minister

The motion followed Takiyuddin’s comments regarding an incident at Masjid Rusila in Marang, Terengganu, which he compared to the Memali tragedy in Baling, Kedah

Updated 10 months ago · Published on 04 Dec 2025 3:43PM

Parliament erupts as opposition challenges motion to suspend ex-minister
MPs questioned the basis for the motion, challenging which parliamentary rule allowed the Home Minister to bring such a motion directly to the floor - December 4, 2025

PARLIAMENT descended into uproar today as several opposition MPs vehemently opposed a motion brought by the government to suspend Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan for six months, following his remarks likening a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia) training exercise to the infamous Memali incident of 1985.

The motion, presented by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, sparked immediate protests from several Perikatan Nasional (PN) MPs, including Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, who argued that the proposed action contravened parliamentary procedures.

In addition to Hamzah, PN MPs Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee of Beluran and Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh of Besut questioned the basis for the motion, challenging which parliamentary rule allowed the minister to bring such a motion directly to the floor.

Ronald further raised concerns over why Takiyuddin had not first been referred to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee before the motion was tabled. Zulkifly added that the government could not invoke Meeting Rule 27(3) to penalise opposition MPs.

Despite the objections, Speaker of the House Tan Sri Johari Abdul permitted the motion to be presented by Shamsul Anuar.

The motion followed Takiyuddin’s comments regarding an incident at Masjid Rusila in Marang, Terengganu, which he compared to the Memali tragedy in Baling, Kedah.

According to the motion’s background briefing, Takiyuddin, who is both a Member of Parliament for Marang and State Assemblyman for Batu Buruk, was informed by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) on 6 and 13 October that the incident involved the execution of the Maritime Enforcement Agency’s STAR Team Basic Commando Escape and Evasion Training exercise.

Following proceedings on the Lower House, the government has delayed a motion to suspend Takiyuddin for six months from the Dewan Rakyat, following his remarks comparing a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) training exercise to the deadly Memali incident of 1985.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah announced the postponement in the Dewan Rakyat today. - December 4, 2025

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