KUALA LUMPUR – R.S.N. Rayer (Jelutong-PH) trained his guns at the opposition in the Dewan Rakyat today over videos allegedly circulated by the latter to further their nefarious political agenda by tarnishing the unity government’s image.
Rayer claimed that Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (Besut-PN) and Datuk Awang Hashim (Pendang-PN) had made a video of allegations against the government after yesterday’s parliamentary proceedings saw the former handed out a three-day suspension.
“Today, a TikTok of Besut (Zulkifly) and Pendang’s (Awang) press conference outside the hall has gone viral online.
“In the video, they made statements asserting that the government (under) Pakatan Harapan (PH) does not respect the Malay language.
“This is a serious accusation. PH has never denied prioritising the Malay language as the national tongue. They (opposition) are using the video to advance their evil political agenda,” Rayer said.
He added that the video suggests that the opposition has plans to enact a smear campaign against its rivals for upcoming elections in six states, which are scheduled to take place sometime this year.
Yesterday, the lower House witnessed an extensive commotion over the government's use of English-only text in two bills, with opposition chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Baru-PN) questioning if this is part of a bigger attempt to make English the country’s official language.
Meanwhile, Rayer also expressed his disappointment at how the duo had apparently insulted the House and its Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor, who ordered for Zulkifly’s suspension yesterday.
“It was not just any party that made the decision (to suspend Zulkifly). It was the speaker’s decision.
“Stern action must be taken (against the duo) so that this matter does not become a polemic and give the impression that the current government does not respect the Malay language and the Malays,” he added.
Rayer’s arguments were backed by Mohd Sany Hamzan (Hulu Langat-PH), who requested that the two opposition lawmakers be referred to the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges to face the consequences of their actions.
An ostensibly up-in-arms Abd Ghani Ahmad (Jerlun-PN) then came to the defence of his fellow opposition backbenchers, citing Standing Order 18(6) which stipulates that MPs shall not introduce the same matter during the same meeting if the matter has been refused by the speaker.
“The punishment (Zulkifly’s suspension) has already been meted out by the speaker and he (Zulkifly) followed through with the order.
“Whatever happens outside the hall (after the incident) cannot be raised for discussion in Parliament since a decision on the matter was already made,” he contended.
In response, Ramli conceded that action cannot be taken against events that occurred outside Parliament as such incidents are instead subject to civil law at the consideration of affected parties.
“Jerlun (Ghani), what you said is facts. Any MPs upset (by statements made in the House), can submit a written motion to debate the issue,” he ruled. – The Vibes, March 30, 2023
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