KUALA LUMPUR: There was an uproar in the Dewan Rakyat today when DAP leader RSN Rayer urged the government to probe Pas president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang over the latter's statement that Perikatan Nasional (PN) had a right to topple the unity government.
Rayer, who is the Jelutong member of parliament, said the Home Ministry must stake stern action against the Marang MP as his statement was seen as 'treasonous' over the King's decree.
"We have witnessed three years of political instability and a week of a hung parliament. The King had also ordered the formation of a unity government from both sides (opposition and government).
"However, Marang's statement on toppling the unity government, as reported in every news outlet, was too much.
"I urge the Home Ministry to investigate the matter as it is considered an offence under Section 124 (j) of the Penal Code, where the activity is considered detrimental to parliamentary democracy and carries a jail term of up to 20 years," he said in his speech during the Supply Bill debate in Dewan Rakyat.
He said the situation would have been different if DAP was in the opposition and had issued such a statement.
"A police report on us would have been made if we did the same thing," he said.
Rayer's demand, however, sparked anger among opposition MPs, who claimed that Abdul Hadi was merely making a political statement.
They also claimed that the statement may have been twisted by the media to sow confusion among the public.
Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki (PN-Parit Buntar) cited the Dewan Rakyat's Standing Order Section 36(6), which states that an MP is not allowed to make malicious assumptions towards another MP.
"This is an ill-intended assumption as Marang did not say that. He was only giving a political statement based on current political developments. He wasn't planning (to topple the current government)," he said.
The exchange between the two blocs continued until Deputy Speaker II Alice Lau ordered Rayer to conclude his debate.
"Please sit down and don't get worked up. If you are angry, you can take a break. Anyone who speaks without permission (will be asked) to leave.
"If you are not satisfied, please table a motion and we can continue with the session."
Yesterday, Abdul Hadi had said that no party can stop PN's plans to topple the unity government, adding that the practice was considered normal in a democratic country as politics is dynamic.
He also said the King's decree did not have the 'power' to prevent the change of government in a democratic country.