KUALA LUMPUR, October 19 2026, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has urged Members of Parliament to be mindful of their choice of words during debates to prevent unnecessary controversies and ensure parliamentary proceedings run smoothly.
He said certain expressions, particularly those with religious connotations, could cause misunderstandings or offend individuals depending on their backgrounds and level of understanding.
Citing the word “munafik” (hypocrite) as an example, Johari said MPs should consider the sensitivities of others before using potentially controversial terms.
“If someone called me a ‘munafik’, I would go home and fall ill immediately because I did not attend a religious school. If that is how I, as a Muslim, would feel, imagine how much more frightening it would be for a non-Muslim,” he said before the Dewan Rakyat began debating the policy stage of the Supply Bill 2027.
Johari stressed that MPs should use clear and easily understood language to keep debates focused on issues affecting the public, rather than allowing discussions to be derailed by disputes over particular words.
He also noted that MPs might have different levels of knowledge and understanding, urging them to exercise sound judgement when addressing the House.
He said prolonged arguments over controversial expressions could waste valuable parliamentary time that should be devoted to discussing public concerns.
Earlier, RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) invoked Standing Order 36(4), which prohibits the use of offensive language, following a remark by Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), who had used the word “munafik” in reference to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Johari said he would deliver his ruling on the matter raised by Rayer tomorrow.
-BERNAMA
