Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul warns members of Parliament against insulting civil servants, vows firm action on disrespectful remarks.
PETALING JAYA: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has warned Members of Parliament that stern action will be taken against anyone who insults or disparages public officers.
“Take my word for this — whoever it is, from this side or that side — if anyone insults public officers, I will take action,” he said during the Dewan Rakyat sitting today in Parliament.
Johari reminded MPs that while they are free to question or criticise ministers and deputy ministers, they must refrain from making remarks against civil servants.
“You may comment about ministers. You may criticise deputy ministers. But do not involve public officers. Period,” he said, stressing that such conduct was unacceptable.
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The Speaker’s reminder came after Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal raised a point of order, accusing Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz of “defamation”.
Earlier, Tengku Zafrul had expressed disappointment that some MPs had mocked and belittled the efforts of civil servants who worked tirelessly to negotiate Malaysia’s recent trade agreement with the United States.
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“I am disappointed when some in this House mock the efforts of our negotiating team.
“I can understand politically motivated attacks, but do not belittle the hard work and sacrifices of our civil servants who ensured the nation’s sovereignty remained protected.
“Some MPs have even claimed this agreement ‘sells out our beloved country’. I want to ask – do you mean to suggest that our public servants are also selling out the nation?Enough with the politicking,” he said.
