A MEMBER of parliament has urged the Home Ministry to investigate PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang over his remarks that there are efforts to overthrow the unity government by Perikatan Nasional (PN).

The matter was brought up by R.S.N. Rayer (Jelutong-PH) when debating the Supply Bill 2023 at the Dewan Rakyat today, which resulted in an uproar lasting several minutes.

“This is an offence under section 124B of the penal code. Whoever, by any means, directly or indirectly, commits an activity detrimental to parliamentary democracy shall be punished with imprisonment of up to 20 years.

“This is His Majesty’s government, the unity government inspired by the king,” he said.

Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki (Parit Buntar-PN) interjected, stating that under standing order 36(6), an MP cannot impute improper motives to another member.

“YB (Yang Berhormat) Jelutong said YB Marang (Hadi) was planning. That’s imputing, YB Marang only issued a political statement. He wasn’t planning,” he said, and asked Rayer to retract his statement towards Hadi.

Rayer then said the statement was reported by the media after Hadi was interviewed at Parliament yesterday.

“Deputy speaker, imagine if this was stated by a DAP MP, if we (DAP) were in the opposition and stated such a thing, surely a police report would be lodged against us. It goes against the Agong’s decree,” he said.

Rayer’s retort incurred the ire of several opposition MPs, forcing Deputy Speaker Alice Lau Kiong to instruct them to sit down and ask Rayer to wind up his debate.

Rayer then requested that Hadi’s statement be given attention as the people should not suffer if something happened due to the opposition’s plan to topple the government.

“I urge Marang to not commit treason,” he said.

Several opposition MPs, including Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (Besut-PN), were still dissatisfied and decided to prolong the situation.

Che Mohamad Zulkifly submitted that under standing order 23(1)(i), a question shall not be asked as to whether statements in the press or of individuals or financial bodies are accurate.

Lau, however, stressed that she had made a ruling that Rayer should continue with his winding up.

“If you are not satisfied with my decision, please file a motion,” she said as she asked for the debate to continue. – Bernama, March 7, 2023.