Rayer urges for Hadi Awang to be investigated, causing uproar in Dewan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR - Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang's statement that it was the Opposition's right to topple the government has caused an uproar in the Dewan Rakyat session on Tuesday.

This was after RNS Rayer (PH-Jelutong) urged the Home Ministry to investigate Hadi, who was reported as saying that Perikatan Nasional (PN) is currently trying to topple the unity government.

Several PN members of parliament had defended Hadi, which caused the commotion to last several minutes.

"Such activities are detrimental to parliamentary democracy and carry a 20-year prison sentence. The unity government is set by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong," Rayer said during the Budget 2023 debate.

This led to Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki (PN-Parit Buntar) interjecting, stating that under Standing Order 36(6), an MP cannot impute improper motives to another member.

"YB (Yang Berhormat) Jelutong said YB Marang (Abdul Hadi) was planning. That's an accusation. YB Marang only issued a political statement, he wasn't planning," he said, and asked Rayer to retract his statement.

The commotion had resulted in Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Alice Lau Kiong Yieng disabling the speaker function, but the screams were still heard.

Things became even more heated when Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) stood up, raising his voice towards Rayer, who described Hadi’s actions as treason to Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"Make a police report if you have proof," he said.

Dr Lee Boon Chye (PH-Gopeng) was seen adding salt to the wound by reading the media report.

"Marang said we (the opposition) have the right to plan for toppling the government and none could prevent us from doing so," he said.

Lee’s action stirred up the situation even more when Khlir raised his voice again.

"Make a police report if you have the proof," he said.

Khlir argued with Lee; however, it was not clearly understood as the deputy speaker had once again disabled the speaker system.

"Let us not get heated in Dewan Rakyat. Sit down and cool off for a while," Alice said.

She then asked for those not satisfied to send in a motion.