Opposition Considers Motion Against Dewan Rakyat Speaker Over ‘Stalking’ and ‘Sexist’ Remarks

KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition lawmakers are mulling action against Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, accusing him of making inappropriate remarks that could amount to “stalking” and “sexism.”

Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Baru) said Johari had allegedly claimed he had installed hidden cameras and microphones in the parliamentary chamber.

“On the day Pendang MP Datuk Awang Hashim was suspended for 10 days, the Speaker, in delivering his ruling, said, ‘Don’t play around. I have placed hidden cameras and hidden microphones that are not muted in this hall; I know everything that happens here.’ This is recorded in the Hansard,” Takiyuddin told reporters in Parliament on Thursday.

He argued the statement may have breached parliamentary rules and could fall under Section 507(a) of the Penal Code on stalking.

“This is a serious matter, especially since it was committed by the Speaker himself. It has been raised in committee meetings by several of our MPs, including those from Beluran and Arau,” he added.

Takiyuddin also criticized Johari’s comments directed at Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek during Wednesday’s proceedings, describing them as sexist.

According to the Hansard, Johari asked the minister to speak closer to the microphone, saying her soft voice sounded “too sexy” when speaking from a distance. The remarks, followed by laughter from MPs, were seen as a violation of Standing Order 36(4), which prohibits sexist statements in the House.

“The Speaker should not have made such remarks. In the past, MPs have been suspended and punished for making similar sexist comments,” said Takiyuddin.

He also noted that Fadhlina herself responded with what he described as an inappropriate remark, stating, “My husband is watching this live.”

“Given the seriousness of these issues, we may take related action, possibly by tabling a motion,” Takiyuddin said.