Dewan Rakyat Speaker asks Rayer to write formally over Takiyuddin’s ‘munafik’ remark

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said that the committee will examine the matter regarding Takiyuddin’s use of the word “hypocrite” (munafik), which was linked to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the debate on the 2027 Budget last Monday, before making any decision. — Bernama pic

First Published: Monday, 26 Oct 2026 6:41 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — Jelutong Member of Parliament RSN Rayer has been asked to write an official letter to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul if he wants Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) to be referred to the Parliament Rights and Privileges Committee.

Johari said that the committee will examine the matter regarding Takiyuddin’s use of the word “hypocrite” (munafik), which was linked to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the debate on the 2027 Budget last Monday, before making any decision.

“I will summon the committee to review it, and it will not be my decision afterwards. The decision will be made by the committee, which consists of members from both sides [of the house], and I will only announce it,” he said during the policy-level winding-up session of the Supply Bill 2027 (2027 Budget) debate in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Earlier, Rayer raised the issue under Standing Order 36(4), which prohibits members of the House from using unparliamentary language.

Johari explained that he had previously asked Takiyuddin to retract the word, but the PAS Secretary-General, via a letter dated October 22, suggested that a mediation process be held without retracting the word.

Johari also expressed disappointment when Takiyuddin subsequently made a statement to the media regarding the letter before he had the opportunity to respond.

Rayer stated that he complies with the rules of the House and believes Takiyuddin should do the same.

Last Wednesday, Johari said he had examined the Hansard before ruling that Takiyuddin must retract the word, either in the Dewan Rakyat or through a written explanation to the Speaker. — Bernama