KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 21): Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul on Wednesday ordered Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) to withdraw the word “hypocrite” which he had used during an earlier debate.

Johari said Takiyuddin has until Thursday to do so.

He said he had reviewed the Hansard before deciding that Takiyuddin had to withdraw the word, either in the House or through a written explanation to the Speaker.

“After reading the Hansard, this is my decision. Although both (RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) and Takiyuddin) are absent from the House today, I want Kota Bharu to withdraw the word he used; I am giving him until tomorrow,” he said.

He said Rayer could proceed with his motion if Takiyuddin failed to comply with the directive.

The ruling followed a debate between government and opposition MPs during discussions on Budget 2027, after Rayer stood up to invoke Standing Order 36(4), which prohibits the use of unparliamentary language, following Takiyuddin’s use of the word “munafik”, or hypocrite, directed at Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

At Monday’s sitting, Johari reminded MPs to be careful in their choice of words during debates to avoid controversies that could disrupt the smooth conduct of proceedings.

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