DEWAN Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul has warned lawmakers to refrain from using sensitive words in the lower house, which could hurt the feelings of others.

Among others, he said words such as “kafir”, Zionists and Jews (Yahudi) used by lawmakers in the chamber could be sensitive as it can threaten the harmony of the country’s plural society. 

“Standing order 36(10)(c) clearly states that MPs must not use words that could promote feelings of ill will or hostility among different communities in Malaysia. 

“Therefore, I call on honourable MPs to stop saying ‘kafir’, Zionists and Jews, and all other words that carry similar meaning. This is especially so when the usage of such terms clouds the atmosphere and touches on sensitivities.

“Lawmakers must show commendable behaviour when mediating the issues of the people and the country. It is necessary to make the national interest the main agenda and not use this house as a political field for groups or individuals purposes,” Johari said in the Dewan Rakyat today. 

His warning comes after the words were used in the chamber last week during debates.

Bangi lawmaker Syahredzan Johan filed a motion to refer PAS’ Pengkalan Chepa MP Ahmad Marzuk Shaary to the Rights and Privileges Committee for his remark in the Dewan Rakyat labelling DAP MPs as “kafir”.

Syahredzan said the Perikatan Nasional MP’s remark can be deemed as an insult to the lawmakers and Muslims like himself. 

Johari said he would not tolerate such language anymore and warned that action would be taken if such words are raised in the house again. 

“My job is to regulate and ensure the smoothness of the parliamentary session using the rules as clearly stated in the standing order. 

“Hence, today I call on all honourable members of parliament to open a new page. Let the lawmaker’s debate be based on issues, to protect the wellbeing of the people out there,” he said.  

Johari also warned lawmakers not to bring personal issues to the house, and anything raised outside parliament should be resolved externally.

Johari said according to standing order 23(1)(i), an MP cannot pose a question as to whether statements in the press or of private individuals or financial bodies are accurate.

“Meanwhile, standing order 36(9) states that no reference shall be made in any debate to the conduct or character of any parliamentarian or any public servant, other than conduct in the capacity of MP or public servant, as the case may be,” he added. – October 23, 2023.