May 23, 2023
KUALA LUMPUR – A SHORT commotion broke out in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday after Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) used the term “Muhyiddin’s government” in the august Hall.
Lim had asked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim what were the key economic policies that allowed the country to improve its Fitch ratings that had been downgraded during the administration of “Tan Sri Muhyiddin”.
Muhyiddin, who is now Pagoh MP and a member of the Opposition, was prime minister from 2020 to 2021.
However, Jamaludin Yahya (PN-Pasir Salak) stood up, citing Standing Order 36 (5) that no MP shall refer to any other member by their name.
“However, Bagan has used Muhyiddin’s name. I would like him to withdraw it,” said Jamaludin.
Several Opposition MPs also shouted, “Please withdraw now.”
Deputy Speaker Alice Lau, who looked unperturbed, asked for the proceedings to go on.
Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) then stood up and asked what was the point of having a standing order when it is not followed.
Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) also interjected, asking the same question.
“If you disagree with it, please make it known,” said Shahidan.
Lau pointed out that based on the standing order, Shahidan is not allowed to stand up to give a speech.
Shahidan replied that Lim had clearly used Muhyiddin’s name in his question.
“He cannot identify the name but must use the constituency name, ‘Pagoh’. Perhaps he has ill intentions,” said Shahidan.
A verbal match between Shahidan and Gobind Singh (PH-Damansara) ensued, with Gobind asking the former to proceed with his next question.
“What Bagan was referring to was which government, not the name of the individual in the Dewan.
“What is the problem with that? We all want to continue with my question. We come to Parliament, we want to ask questions, and we want the answers
“Why do we allow this? The person who asked about the standing order himself does not understand the standing order.
“Can we proceed with all the questions?” said Gobind.
The situation became more tense when Shahidan shouted that he was asking the question about Lim and this had nothing to do with Gobind.
Lau then asked Shahidan to sit and proceed with the next question.