Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul has admitted to feeling “quite hurt” by Awang Hashim’s (PN-Pendang) remarks in calling Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani) “anak papa” during this morning’s session.
Johari reminded MPs that they should not involve him in their verbal clashes.
“I feel quite hurt… the situation has had a deep impact on me,” he said as he began the afternoon session of the Dewan Rakyat.
Earlier, Awang, a PAS MP, was instructed to leave the chamber after using the term “anak papa”, apparently in reference to Taufiq, the Speaker’s son.
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“Arau said he was not given a chance to speak and it wasn’t fair – this is wrong. I received a lot of criticism from the media that I was not fair to Arau.
“It seemed like I was favouring Sungai Petani, and worse, Pendang said ‘anak papa’,” Johari said.
He said all parties must respect his position, which is in accordance with the constitution.
“MPs are the ones who have chosen me, if you don’t like me, propose a motion. Remove me (from this post).
“But, as long as I am here, please abide by the rules,” he said.
In explaining his decision on the motions, Johari said Shahidan’s motion was not an urgent issue requiring the immediate attention of the lower house.
“The issue Arau brought up is not about rice, the motion Arau brought up is about the abuse of power among senior civil servants in political campaigns and the second issue is on the shortage of local workforce in the nursing and hairdressing sectors.
“It has no connection with the hoarding of rice issue,” Johari said.
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