KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has stood by his decision to suspend Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) for 10 days for allegedly insulting him in a TikTok video.
He said the decision had been considered thoroughly and that he had given Awang several opportunities to apologise over the matter.
"I was a politician before. However, now that I am sitting here as the speaker, I must be impartial and avoid playing politics.
"Everyone in this chamber is my friend. However, I also need to have principles. That's why when a member of this chamber insulted me… the one who ejected (him) was not me, but my deputy.
"When met by reporters, he (Awang) said, 'This is a cruel speaker.' I heard it on TV, what's going on?" said Johari.
Johari said he had referred to the Hansard and had asked Awang to apologise for his behaviour, but it was ignored.
"That's why I said, whatever we say, do not insult the speaker. Johari Abdul (as himself, outside the Dewan Rakyat and not as a speaker) is a different matter altogether. Be it, not handsome, like 'ubi kayu,' or not a qualified lawyer, I don't mind if the issue involves Johari Abdul.
"But the moment I'm sitting here, I am sitting as the speaker. I have to protect this house. Come what may, I shall protect this house. That is my mission, and that is the oath I have taken," he said.
Earlier, several opposition MPs demanded Johari's explanation for Awang's 10-day suspension starting Dec 6 for insulting the speaker.
Among them were Perikatan Nasional chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, Beluran MP Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee and Besut MP Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh.