Ten‑minute war of words in Dewan Rakyat over Takiyuddin’s ‘munafik’ remark

On October 19, the Dewan Rakyat erupted in a heated 10-minute debate after opposition MPs accused government MPs of using offensive language. The controversy centered around the term "munafik," allegedly directed at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. RSN Rayer from the PH-Jelutong constituency raised Standing Order 36(1), alleging Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) had used the word during a debate on the Supply Bill 2027.

Rayer argued that the term was offensive and inappropriate, especially when aimed at the prime minister. He questioned why Deputy Speaker Alice Lau had allowed Takiyuddin to continue without intervening. Takiyuddin, the chief whip of Perikatan Nasional, had previously cited a hadith describing the traits of a munafik and referred to the word waad used by Anwar in his Budget 2027 speech.

Rayer repeatedly tried to interject a point of order, but his attempts were ignored until Lau finally halted Takiyuddin's speech. The incident drew the attention of Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang), who claimed Rayer had misunderstood Takiyuddin's remarks. Lau advised Rayer to file a formal motion to the Speaker's office for further action, stating that she had already given guidance to do so.