SPEAKER WARNS MPS AGAINST INSULTING CIVIL SERVANTS IN DEWAN RAKYAT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul today issued a stern warning to members of parliament (MPs) against insulting civil servants during debates, stressing that action will be taken against anyone who does so.

Johari said MPs are free to criticise members of the Cabinet, including ministers and deputy ministers, but civil servants must not be targeted with disparaging or insulting remarks in the House.

“Take my word for this. Anyone, whether from the government side or the opposition, who insults civil servants, I will take action. You can comment on politicians, but do not insult the civil service

“Don’t challenge me. Please… some have ridiculed secretaries-general and others, don’t do that,” he said when concluding Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz’s briefing on the Malaysia–United States Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Johari also reminded MPs to focus on policy matters during the winding-up session of the 2026 Supply Bill (Budget) debate at the policy stage for the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) tomorrow, and to refrain from involving civil servants when interjecting with questions.

“Tomorrow is the time for the MITI Minister to wind up (the debate). If you have any questions (regarding ART), you may ask the minister then. My reminder is this...you may criticise the minister or deputy minister, but do not drag in civil servants,” he said.

Earlier, the Dewan Rakyat session became tense when Tengku Zafrul refuted claims that the agreement would compromise national sovereignty, while also defending the efforts of government officials involved in the negotiations.

Tensions escalated when Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN–Machang) attempted to interject but was reprimanded by Johari, who reminded the House that interruptions or debates were not allowed during the session.

Before Tengku Zafrul’s briefing began, Johari had also reminded MPs not to interrupt or debate during the minister’s explanation.

“Let me provide some guidelines. First, I do not allow interruptions — let the minister continue his speech. Second, I will not permit debates as we have a schedule for administrative members, including ministers, to deliver their winding-up speeches,” he said.

-- BERNAMA