THE opposition leader must remind its bench in Parliament not to play up racial and religious issues, said Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid’s reminder today came following the suspension of Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Abdul Rahman for two days for poking fun at the holy ash or vibhuthi worn by Jelutong MP R.S.N. Rayer.

“I wish to remind the opposition leader to inform all opposition MPs, especially those from Umno, not to play up sensitive religious issues again.

“We have to respect everyone,” the Umno president told reporters during a press conference at Parliament lobby.

Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob is the parliamentary opposition leader.

Yesterday, Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusoff ordered the suspension of Tajuddin and Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) after both refused to adhere to instructions as they argued over the propriety of the former’s remark.

The order was the culmination of an almost 30-minute exchange between Barisan Nasional MPs and backbenchers after Tajuddin uttered remarks directed at the religious marking on Rayer’s forehead.

“Are those ashes the ashes of Chin Peng?” Tajuddin asked, provoking anger among the backbenchers in the chamber.

Rayer told Ariff that what Tajuddin said was an insult to Hindus.

Vibhuti is the sacred ash made of burnt dried wood in Āgamic rituals. Hindu devotees apply it traditionally as three horizontal lines across the forehead.

Meanwhile, Chin Peng’s ashes were brought back in September and scattered in Perak.

The reaction from the backbenchers compelled Tajuddin to retract his remarks. Zahid also said that BN accepted the two-day suspension of Tajuddin. – December 4, 2019.