DEWAN Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun today reminded lawmakers to refrain from using derogatory words.

“I would like to remind honourable lawmakers to not use uncouth or impolite words such as ‘prostitute’ or others (like it) while in the house.

“It is better for us to use proper language to maintain the honour and the order of the House. The people are observing us (hence) it is not good if we use such terms,” he added. 

Azhar said this after Shahidan Kassim (Arau-BN) accused opposition MPs Khoo Poay Tiong (Kota Melaka-PH) and RSN Rayer (Jelutong-PH) of calling their parliamentary colleagues ”traitor”, “opportunist” (petualang) and “political prostitute”.

Shahidan said these labels were used during the debates on the Temporary Measures for Government Financing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Bill and the National Security Council (NSC) (Amendment) Bill yesterday.

Shahidan asked the opposition lawmakers to apologise for uttering the unparliamentary words and to retract them. 

“If they do not do so, I will refer them to the Parliament’s Rights and Privileges Committee,” he added.

In response to Shahidan, Azhar said he would need to refer to the hansard before taking any action. – August 25, 2020.