PARLIAMENT | Legal practitioners turned lawmakers from both the government and opposition bench today debated over Dewan Rakyat speaker Johari Abdul’s decision to suspend Awang Solahuddin Hashim (PN-Pendang) for 10 days.
In delivering his ruling under Standing Order 44(2), Johari cited Awang’s failure to apologise for an insult against him made in a TikTok video, despite repeated requests including through an official letter.
“Although I wrote to you on July 22 requesting a retraction and apology, you have not complied to this day,” Johari said today at the end of Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.
“I even instructed the Dewan Rakyat secretary and the PN chief whip to address this matter with you, but no action has been taken,” he stressed.
Johari also quoted Awang’s July 18 TikTok video, in which the PAS lawmaker labelled the speaker a “tyrant” for past rulings to suspend opposition MPs, including Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal.
The ruling triggered a heated exchange over the merits of Johari’s ruling and whether it constituted proper conduct.
Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) was the first to stand up and question Johari whether his conduct was proper as Awang’s remarks were made outside the Dewan Rakyat.
Others from PN cited their experiences in court as legal practitioners, including Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN-Besut) and Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), both who argued Johari should not have ruled in a case that could be a conflict of interest.
Backbenchers support speaker
From the government bench, Syahredzan Johan (Harapan-Bangi) responded to Takiyuddin, arguing that even in court, a presiding judge can rule in a contempt case.
Backbenchers in support include RSN Rayer (Harapan-Jelutong), Mohd Sany Hamzan (Harapan-Hulu Langat), Ngeh Koo Ham (Harapan-Beruas), and Chong Szemin (Harapan-Kampar).
After hearing from both sides of the House, Johari called on Hassan Abdul Karim (Harapan-Pasir Gudang), who mooted a “fair solution” to the situation.
“This is a serious matter, I think it should be brought to the Rights and Privileges Committee.
“In terms of the law, I see it as improper for the speaker to deliver a ruling on a matter that concerns him,” said the veteran PKR lawmaker.
Another commotion ensued, with Rayer and Sany among those heard taunting Awang, prompting louder responses from the opposition bench.
Johari eventually stood firm on his decision, stressing, “Don’t challenge me. I have a temper”.
“My decision is final,” he said before resuming the proceedings.
In a previous incident, Awang claimed on Nov 4 that RM94 million in cash was found in the home of a former minister.
Johari told the Pendang MP to show proof, which he failed to, and ordered him to retract and apologise over the claim.
Awang then retracted and apologised for the allegations.
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