KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 12): Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul on Thursday urged Members of Parliament (MPs) from both sides of the divide, not to involve him in political games.

This came after the lower house of Parliament descended into chaos before the lunch break on Thursday, when Awang Solahuddin Hashim (PN-Pendang) referred to Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani) — who is also Johari's son — as "anak papa" (father's son).

Awang made the "anak bapa" remark after Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau) questioned why Taufiq's motion on the rice hoarding issue, which was submitted on Wednesday, was approved before his own motion, which was submitted a day earlier.

As a result, Awang was asked to leave the house until after the lunch break by Deputy Speaker Alice Lau, who was presiding at that time.

After the lunch break, when Johari returned to preside over the session, he explained that Shahidan did indeed submit a motion under Standing Order 18(1) on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, this motion concerned issues related to the abuse of power by civil servants involved in political campaigns, and the shortage of manpower in the nursing and hairdressing sectors.

"It's not related to the rice hoarding issue. Therefore, Arau (Shahidan) accusing me of behaving unfairly towards him, is completely wrong," Johari said.

He also expressed his frustration over the criticism he has received in the media and the use of the remark "anak papa" by Awang, which has worsened the situation.

"I have all the evidence. You might have your say, but I have my way. So please, if you want to play games, play among yourselves. Don't involve the Speaker. If you involve the Speaker, it becomes difficult," he said.

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