{
  "id": 16268417,
  "title": "Takiyuddin refuses to retract ‘hypocrite’ remark, seeks mediation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/takiyuddin-refuses-to-retract-hypocrite-remark-seeks-mediation",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-24T02:57:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/10/24/takiyuddin-refuses-to-retract-hypocrite-remark-seeks-mediation"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan has refused to retract his controversial remarks during the 2027 budget debate, instead seeking mediation to resolve the issue. The Kota Bharu MP made the remarks containing the word \"munafik,\" or hypocrite, which sparked protests from Jelutong MP RSN Rayer. Takiyuddin has instead written to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul in hopes of resolving the matter through mediation. If mediation fails, Takiyuddin could be referred to Parliament's rights and privileges committee. The remarks drew the ire of Rayer, who accused Takiyuddin of going too far by singling out Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the budget. The Perikatan Nasional leader, who is also PAS secretary-general, did not comply with Johari's order to retract the remarks by Thursday. PN is reportedly considering whether to contest in the upcoming Sarawak state election, with the state's legislative assembly set to dissolve on Monday.",
  "summary": "The Kota Bharu MP has appealed to the Dewan Rakyat speaker to act as a mediator between him and DAP's RSN Rayer.",
  "key_points": [
    "Takiyuddin Hassan refuses to retract 'hypocrite' remark during 2027 budget debate.",
    "MP seeks mediation to resolve controversy, not retraction as ordered.",
    "If mediation fails, Takiyuddin may face Parliament's rights and privileges committee."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Refusing to retract the controversial label signals a hardening of political rhetoric that shifts the conflict from a simple parliamentary apology to a formal dispute requiring mediation or disciplinary committee action.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Takiyuddin refuses to withdraw 'munafik' remark, proposes mediation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/takiyuddin-refuses-to-withdraw-munafik-remark-proposes-mediation",
        "published": "2026-10-24T01:46:15.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malaysiakini",
        "title": "Takiyuddin refuses to retract 'munafik' remark, seeks mediation with Rayer",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/takiyuddin-refuses-to-retract-munafik-remark-seeks-mediation-with",
        "published": "2026-10-24T02:41:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}