BN lawmakers cry foul over offensive words

GEORGE TOWN: Barisan Nasional (BN) lawmakers have denounced offensive words uttered by R.S.N Rayer (DAP-Seri Delima) against Umno leaders while debating the motion on the Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri's address at the State Assembly here today.
Rayer called Umno leaders 'celaka' (damn) and uncouth for allegedly inciting racial hatred by displaying placards related to the May 13, 1969 tragedy during a recent demonstration in Penang.
Shariful Azhar Othman (BN-Bertam) said the impolite words used by Rayer against Umno leaders were uncalled for and violated the standing order.
Asserting that Rayer had violated Standing Order 46 as lawmakers are barred from using impudent words and making personal attacks, he said if the speaker did not take any action, it would take precedence on the use of insolent words in the House.
Datuk Shah Headan Ayoob Hussain Shah (BN-Teluk Bahang) asked Rayer to retract the word 'celaka' to which speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang warned the Seri Delima assemblyman not to repeat it.
Speaking to reporters later, opposition chief Datuk Jahara Hamid Law urged Law to be firm against lawmakers who used abusive words and ensure that inflammatory remarks were barred from the sitting.
Penaga assemblyman Mohd Zain Ahmad, who was also present at the news conference, said Rayer was trying to provoke BN assemblymen as his remarks were not relevant to the State Assembly proceeding. – Bernama