Perikatan Nasional is mulling actions against speaker Johari Abdul for allegedly stalking via "hidden cameras and microphones" in the Dewan Rakyat.
Speaking during the opposition's weekly press conference in Parliament, the opposition chief whip Takiyuddin Hassan cited Johari's remarks on Monday when he delivered a ruling to suspend Pendang MP Awang Hashim for 10 days based on "evidence" obtained through the devices.
"He (Johari) said, 'Don’t play around. I have placed a hidden camera. Hidden camera. And also hidden microphones that are not muted. Inside here. I know everything that happens in here," said Takiyuddin, quoting Johari.
"So for us, this is in conflict with the existing rules. And this amounts to a criminal offence under Section 507A - stalking.
"Stalking means spying, peeping. But this was done by the speaker. Unfortunately," stressed Takiyuddin, who is also a lawyer.
Takiyuddin also cited a separate remark by Johari, which he accused of being "sexist", during Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek's winding-up speech yesterday.
According to the Hansard, Johari responded to Kuala Krau MP Kamal Ashaari, who urged him to request that Fadhlina speak closer to the microphone.
"Yes, minister, please pull the mic closer to your mouth. They can’t hear. When it’s far, it sounds too 'sexy'. A bit closer," said Johari, according to the Hansard, which also recorded laughter from other MPs.
Fadhlina then responded, "Tan Sri Speaker, my husband is watching this live."
Takiyuddin today cited Standing Order 36(4), which he said in the past had been used to punish MPs accused of "sexist" remarks or statements considered offensive.
"So we will consider this matter. Perhaps we will take some action. Maybe tomorrow we will discuss it further," said Takiyuddin.
The PAS secretary-general cited a 2020 incident that resulted in then Baling MP Azeez Abdul Rahim being ordered to apologise to then Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto, as an example.
Then-speaker Azhar Azizan Harun invoked the standing order to rule that his "gelap" remark against her was offensive.
Malaysiakini has contacted Johari for comment.
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