LAWMAKERS Noh Omar (BN-Tg Karang) and RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) were both told to retract their remarks that disrupted Dewan Rakyat proceedings yesterday.

“I withdraw the remark,” Noh said, after failing to persuade Speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof not to pursue the matter.

Noh, a former minister, said his infringement should have been addressed yesterday and not today.

“According to Standing Orders 36(4), the matter should have been raised immediately and not later,” Noh said.

But Ariff begged to differ, saying Noh’s remarks were only caught later.

“It’s not too late to address it now as this is not three weeks later,” said the former judge. “Did you or did you not utter those words?”

In his defence, Noh said he was provoked by Rayer, who called him “stupid” during the debate.

“I have seen the video again and I can withdraw. I only said it because the Jelutong MP called me stupid. This august house is only polluted because of him. 

“I will withdraw my remark if Jelutong withdraws his,” he said.

Upon hearing this, Ariff ordered Rayer to also withdraw his remarks.

“Words were used, whether intentional or not, and I want both of you to withdraw your remarks. 

“There are some words that shouldn’t be said and should not be heard, such as stupid and bad words. 

“If we (speaker and deputy speakers) ask you to withdraw and you don’t and cause more chaos, you will be suspended,” said Ariff.

It was reported yesterday that Noh had shouted a Malay curse word starting with “p” at Rayer after the latter called him “stupid” for making allegations against Deputy Speaker Nga Kor Ming.

During the debate on the Home Ministry’s budget at the committee stage, Noh had tried to link the issue of insulting royalty to Nga. – November 28, 2019.