KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor remarked that managing schoolchildren would be easier than handling members of parliament.
Ramli said this after Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim (PN-Pendang) labelled RSN Rayer (PH-Bukit Jelutong) as "stupid" in response to the latter raising the former's recent claim that RM94 million in cash was allegedly found in the home of a former DAP minister.
Awang has since retracted his statement.
Rayer had also criticised Awang for attending the Dewan Rakyat today "without shame" despite the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's denial of his claim.
"I call Standing Order 36(12) regarding the issue. I have raised requests for Pendang to be referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee," Rayer said.
"Every time I step outside or return to my constituency, people ask if we can make careless, irresponsible statements and avoid accountability without apologising.
"I want to ask what action will be taken against Pendang, who remains in the hall without shame, silent after making serious accusations? Is this now a free-for-all?"
Ramli responded that the matter was under review by Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and a decision would be announced soon.
Awang then stood up and said Rayer was overreacting.
"We've already settled this. I've complied with the speaker's instructions. I was not told to explain further here. He (Rayer) thinks he can be the speaker, but he's not qualified because he is stupid," Awang said.
At this, Chong Zhemin (PH-Kampar) stood up and requested Awang retract his statement, but was muted.
He was then given a warning by Ramli. Chong stood up again and received a second warning.
Ramli reminded the House that students were witnessing the debate.
"We are all senior members. We're adults. Let's avoid turning debates into personal clashes between MPs. The speaker is the mediator. Let's move on. I'll withdraw the warning to Kampar."
Rayer then stood up, noting that Pendang had used inappropriate language. Ramli ruled that the term "stupid" was unacceptable.
"I am making a ruling according to Standing Order 36(4). This applies to Pendang, so retract it in the interest of harmony in the House.
Awang replied: "I mentioned it earlier because Jelutong brought up my name. I've already discussed this with the speaker. Wait for the speaker's decision.
"All right, I retract.".
Concluding the exchange, Ramli remarked: "Allah, it's easier taking care of schoolchildren."