Speaker open to reviewing motion to refer PM to parliamentary rights and privileges committee

DEWAN Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has confirmed his readiness to review any motion from Pagoh MP Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, should the former prime minister formally seek to refer current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the Parliamentary Committee of Rights and Privileges.

"As of now, I have not received anything. But if something is submitted to me, God willing, I will review it and take the necessary action in accordance with current standing orders," Johari told reporters after attending the 58th ASEAN Day celebration on Friday.

His comments follow Muhyiddin’s indication that he intends to refer Anwar to the committee over remarks made during a ministerial question session in Parliament.

During the session, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, had challenged the opposition to read Muhyiddin’s alleged statement criticising the government for burdening foreigners with the targeted subsidy rationalisation programme for RON95 petrol. Anwar made the remark in response to a question from Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN–Hulu Terengganu), who asked the Prime Minister to name the MP allegedly defending the welfare of foreign nationals.

Muhyiddin has denied the allegation, calling it defamatory.

In response, the Prime Minister's Office has instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate the matter. - August 8, 2025