Deputy Speaker chides Perikatan MP for refusing to sit

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Alice Lau told off a Perikatan Nasional lawmaker for refusing to sit despite being ordered to do so.

Citing the lower House’s standing orders, Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki (PN-Parit Buntar) said he was dissatisfied with RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) who questioned how Harakah, the official media organ for PAS, had allegedly not fulfilled payment to its printers for years after it was reported to have fallen into debt.

“We are upset with Jelutong’s statement today. He continuously brings up topics unrelated to the federal Budget.

“Enough is enough. He brought it up yesterday and again today,” he told the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Oct 25).

Mohd Misbahul further explained that he had previously told the House that he would respond to the issue outside the House.

To this, Lau said it was a non-issue and ordered for the Budget 2024 debates to continue.

Mohd Misbahul however persisted and said he was upset by Rayer’s comments, adding that the latter should retract his statement.

Lau then said if Mohd Misbahul was upset with the decision, he could file a motion.

“If you’re still experiencing heartache, go and see a doctor,” she said to applause from lawmakers present in the Dewan Rakyat.

I have said this is a non-issue. Please sit. I have made the ruling so please sit. If you do not want to sit, leave the House,” Lau added.

On Monday (Oct 23), Mohd Misbahul sidestepped Rayer’s question on the alleged inability of PAS to settle its financial debts with former Harakah printers.

Rayer had raised the issue when the Parit Buntar MP brought up the topic of good governance during his Budget 2024 debates.

A portal recently reported Harakah’s former printers slamming PAS for living a “lavish lifestyle” while the companies have still not received outstanding payment years after it was reported that the party’s official mouthpiece fell into debt.