War of words in Parliament settled after two MPs agree to withdraw remarks

KUALA LUMPUR: The war of words between two lawmakers on Wednesday (Nov 27) was settled after the Dewan Rakyat Speaker asked both MPs to retract their statements.

Tanjong Karang MP Tan Sri Noh Omar had to retract a Malay curse word starting with "p" while Jelutong MP RSN Rayer had to retract the remark "stupid" that were hurled against each other in an argument that took place on Wednesday.

The matter was raised by Rayer on Thursday (Nov 28), urging the House to take action against Noh for his remarks.

To this, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof had asked Noh to explain himself.

Noh then questioned why the matter was not addressed on Wednesday itself.

However, Mohamad Ariff begged to differ, saying the attention to Noh's remarks only came later, adding that it was not too late to address the matter.

"Did you or did you not utter those words?" asked Mohamad Ariff.

To this, Noh explained that he may or may not have uttered the words but only did so after he was provoked by Rayer who had repeatedly called him "stupid" during the debates.

"I have watched the video, I don't mind retracting it but the problem here is Jelutong (Rayer). He kept interrupting me and called me stupid. He was rude.

"The House is polluted because of Jelutong. I will retract my words, so must Jelutong.

"I will also retract my words with the condition that the Speaker must be firm.

"If Jelutong or others from there (Pakatan Harapan backbenchers) do not follow the Standing Orders and interrupt us, the Speaker must be fair and kick them out.

"Only then will this august House be peaceful," said Noh.

He added that several Opposition lawmakers had been kicked out of the House and suspended but no action has been taken against Rayer.

To this, Mohamad Ariff said the curse word was indeed used by Noh and whether it was intentional or not, both the lawmakers ought to withdraw their remarks.

Rayer then withdrew his remark but said: "I will retract my statement and admit that he is not stupid."

Chaos then erupted once again as Noh then accused Rayer of being "kurang ajar" (ill-mannered), adding that this is how the latter keeps riling lawmakers in the House.

Mohamad Ariff then ruled that there are some words that should not be used or heard in the House.

"Action will be taken against anyone who causes chaos or uses inappropriate words in the House. It doesn't matter which side of the divide they are from.

"Everyone must follow the rules of the House. Only then will there be peace in the Dewan Rakyat," said Mohamad Ariff.

The argument between Noh and Rayer began on Wednesday after the former had raised a Facebook posting by the "Nga Kor Ming Superfans" that allegedly insulted the Sultan of Selangor.- Star