‘Macai’ and ‘celaka’: Dewan Rakyat erupts over derogatory words

 

PARLIAMENT | The Dewan Rakyat erupted after MPs from both sides of the aisle hurled the words “macai” (lackey) and “celaka” (wretched) at each other.

Initially, RSN Rayer (Pakatan Harapan-Jelutong) became furious when an opposition MP stood up to interrupt when he was debating and mentioned Perikatan Nasional chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin’s name.

When debating the Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Bill 2023, Rayer claimed there had been violations while Muhyiddin was in government.

"With this law, human rights violations that occurred during Pagoh's administration will not be repeated in the future.

"Pagoh is here but he won’t dare to get up to answer," said the DAP MP in an attempt to bait Muhyiddin.

Jelutong MP RSN Rayer

Rayer's statement immediately drew the ire of several PN parliamentarians who stood up to intervene. Among them were Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pasir Mas), Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (Besut) and Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (Alor Setar).

"I ask all the macai to sit down," said Rayer.

Following that, Zulkifly raised his voice to highlight his dissatisfaction over Rayer's behaviour and asked him not to "be a celaka".

Besut MP Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh

"Jelutong (Rayer) is rude. What's wrong? Rude... Don't be ‘celaka’," said Zulkifly.

Unhappy with taunting, Rayer asked deputy speaker Alice Lau to instruct the Besut MP to withdraw the statement.

Zulkifly, however, refused and argued that he did not accuse Rayer of being "celaka" but instead only reminded the parliamentarian not to be one.

"I said don't be... I didn't say he (Jelutong) was ‘celaka’. I didn't even say it.”

Lau, however, rejected Zulkifly’s explanation and insisted the latter withdraw his remark as its usage was considered a violation of the house rules.

Deputy Dewan Rakyat speaker Alice Lau

"That word needs to be withdrawn. (If not withdrawn), does this mean that all un-parliamentary words (not allowed in Parliament) can be used with the word ‘don't’ attached before them? Withdraw," said Lau.

Zulkifly then asked Lau to also instruct Rayer to withdraw the word “macai”.

The situation eventually calmed down after Zulkilfy agreed to withdraw his words.