'Macai' and 'celaka' fly in heated exchange at Dewan Rakyat

KUALA LUMPUR - Tensions flared in the Dewan Rakyat as MPs from opposing sides engaged in a verbal exchange, using the words "macai" (lackey) and "celaka" (wretched) against each other.

The confrontation began when RSN Rayer (Pakatan Harapan-Jelutong) expressed his displeasure after an opposition MP interrupted him during the debate on the Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Bill 2023.

In his speech, Rayer alleged human rights violations during the tenure of Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"With this law, human rights violations that occurred during Pagoh's administration will not be repeated in the future. Pagoh is here but he won’t dare to get up to answer," the DAP MP said.

Several PN parliamentarians, including Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pasir Mas), Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (Besut), and Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (Alor Setar), took offence at Rayer's statement and stood up to intervene.

"I ask all the ‘macai’ to sit down," said Rayer.

In response, Zulkifly raised his voice, expressing dissatisfaction with Rayer's behaviour and urged him not to "be a celaka."

Unhappy with the taunting, Rayer asked deputy speaker Alice Lau to instruct Besut MP to withdraw the statement.

Lau then intervened and requested the withdrawal of the word "celaka."

She also instructed Rayer to withdraw the term “macai.”

After a heated exchange, both MPs eventually agreed to withdraw the remarks directed at each other, diffusing the tensions in the Dewan Rakyat.