KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 6): Two Members of Parliament were instructed to leave the Dewan Rakyat by Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, following their involvement in a verbal altercation.

The two ejected MPs are Mohd Sany Hamzan (PH-Hulu Langat) and Mohd Misbahul Munir (PN-Parit Buntar). This decision followed Mohd Misbahul's remarks during his debate on Budget 2024 in the committee stage when he inquired about the Religious Affairs Minister's view on the Education Ministry's ban on 'takbir' chanting and the recitation of 'Qunut Nazilah' in schools.

Mohd Misbahul's comments prompted several government backbenchers, including Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, to quickly counter and describe them as "inaccurate".

Mohd Sany also stood up and accused Mohd Misbahul of making slanderous remarks, saying that Islam prohibits slander. This led to a shouting match between MPs from both sides of the aisle.

Ultimately, Johari instructed Mohd Sany and Mohd Misbahul to leave the Dewan Rakyat and only allowed them to return on Tuesday (Nov 7).

Last Thursday (Nov 2), Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, while winding up the debate on Budget 2024, called on MPs from both sides of the political spectrum to refrain from disrupting the Palestine Solidarity Week programme.

Fadhlina expressed her acceptance of various views, criticisms, and recommendations from different parties, including the suggestion to include prayer sessions in accordance with students' respective religious faiths, which has already been implemented in several schools.

"... do not make noise and be upset if there are no 'takbir' or (recitation of) 'Qunut Nazilah' in schools. There are reasons why certain activities are allowed to take place at school," she added.

Following this, a few opposition lawmakers criticised Fadhlina, accusing her of preventing schools from allowing students to chant the takbir and recite ‘Qunut Nazilah’ prayers during the programme.

According to a statement by the ministry last week, Palestine Solidarity Week was held to educate students and teachers about essential humanitarian values that include human rights, security, and compassion.

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