MPs in shouting match over King’s speech

PH’s RSN Rayer (left) said remarks made by PN’s Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man were ‘improper’ and demanded that the latter tender an apology to the King and Dewan Rakyat.

KUALA LUMPUR: A brief shouting match erupted between two MPs in the Dewan Rakyat after a backbencher accused an opposition MP of suggesting that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s royal address had been dictated by the government.

Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) had lamented that Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah’s speech lacked emphasis on the concept of fairness, which he said was a crucial aspect of the unity government’s “Madani Nation” slogan.

RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) then interjected, calling the remark “improper” and demanding that Tuan Ibrahim retract his statement and apologise to the King and Dewan Rakyat.

He also called on deputy speaker Alice Lau to order Tuan Ibrahim to retract his statement.

Tuan Ibrahim said he was aware the government of the day was able to submit its input for the royal address and that it was at the discretion of the Agong whether to accept the input.

Rayer then asked how Tuan Ibrahim would know if the government’s input was accepted or not.

Lau subsequently allowed Tuan Ibrahim to continue his speech.

Later, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul said he would check the Hansard before deciding whether Tuan Ibrahim should be ordered to retract his statement. - FMT