KUALA LUMPUR — Datuk Awang Hashim (Pendang-PN) has been suspended from the Dewan Rakyat for 10 days for insulting the Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul in a TikTok video.
The July 18 video had Awang accusing the Speaker of being cruel in his decisions involving opposition lawmakers.
Johari’s decision to suspend the Perikatan Nasional (PN) lawmaker drew uproar in the House today, with Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Bharu-PN) telling the Speaker not to make rulings on MPs that involve himself, as this would be a conflict of interest.
Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee (Beluran-PN) chimed in, questioning if the Speaker could suspend and MP for actions done outside the Dewan Rakyat.
“If you are booting out MPs for statements they made outside the Dewan, then most of the MPs in this Dewan would be booted out,” said Ronald who was formerly a deputy speaker.
As a shouting match ensued, backbencher Syahredzan Johan (Bangi-PH) said to Takiyuddin that judges, too, can act against those who made contemptuous statements against the court.
“It is embarrassing that a senior MP (like Awang) not only disrespected the position of Tan Sri Speaker but also his office.
“I believe that Tan Sri made the right decision as we need to send a message to the outside that we are protecting the sanctity of this Dewan,” Syahredzan said.
Earlier, Johari said Awang with his TikTok video had not only made a serious accusation but abused his own rights and privileges as a parliamentarian.
“He has also acted in contempt towards this honourable Dewan.
“Since he did not retract the (statement in the video) and apologise to me, therefore I order that Yang Berhormat be suspended for 10 days based on Standing Order 44(2),” said Johari.
This rule allows the Speaker to suspend any member of the House for not more than ten days for disorderly or contemptious conduct, or if the lawmaker continues to disregard the authority of the Speaker.
Earlier, Awang apologised in the lower house for making a false claim last month that RM94 million in cash was found in the residence of former human resources minister V. Sivakumar by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. (MACC), citing a statement allegedly issued by the agency.
However, Awang’s claim was subsequently rebuked by MACC who said that it had never issued any such statement.
Awang apologised after being ordered to do so by Johari. – December 5, 2024