DEWAN Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has ejected two MPs from the august house following a heated war of words over an alleged ban on “takbir” chants in school.
The argument broke out when Parit Buntar MP Mohd Misbahul Munir Masduki alleged that the Education Ministry had prohibited teachers and students from from chanting “takbir” or perform the Qunut Nazilah during Palestine Solidarity Week.
Qunut Nazilah is a special prayer to seek Allah’s assistance for Muslims faced with extreme hardships or disasters.
Mohd Misbahul went on to demand Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar to “lift the ban”.
Mohd Sany then stood up to criticize Mohd Misbahul, arguing that teachers should not engage in political activities within school compounds but could do so if they are outside of their duties.
“I agree [that teachers should not be threatened] but the issue now is that teachers are also engaged in political activities during school hours. There is no problem if it is outside but it cannot be done inside [the school compound],” said Sany when interjecting Mohd Mishabul.
In response, Mohd Mishabul requested Johari to take action towards Mohd Sany as the latter had disturbed his debate session.
Johari then instructed both lawmakers to sit and muted their microphones, although shouting could still be heard between Sany and Misbahul.
When both MPs refused to comply with Johari’s order, he then told them to “get out, go drink some coffee” and to “come back tomorrow”.
Several PAS MPs had previously alleged that “takbir” chants and Qunut Nazilah prayers were not allowed to be recited in schools during the Palestine Solidarity Week.
One of them, Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari, demanded that Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek provide an explanation over the matter. – Nov 6, 2023
Main pic credit: The Star
