Malaysian House of Representatives Speaker warns MPs against insulting civil servants
Malaysian House of Representatives Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul has warned members of Parliament not to insult civil servants during debates, stressing that firm action will be taken against any MP who does so. The warning followed heated exchanges during discussions on the Malaysia–US Reciprocal Trade Agreement.
- Malaysian Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul warned MPs not to insult civil servants during debates, saying action will be taken against offenders.
- MPs may criticise ministers and deputy ministers but must not make disparaging remarks about government officials.
- The warning followed a tense session on the Malaysia–United States Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART).
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Dewan Rakyat (House of Representative) Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul on 29 October 2025 issued a firm warning to members of Parliament (MPs) against making disparaging remarks about civil servants during debates.
He emphasised that disciplinary action will be taken against any MP, from either side of the aisle, who breaches this rule.
Johari stated that while MPs are free to scrutinise and criticise Cabinet members, including ministers and deputy ministers, civil servants must be respected and not subjected to personal attacks.
“Take my word for this. Anyone, whether from the government side or the Opposition, who insults civil servants, I will take action. You can comment on politicians, but do not insult the civil service,” Johari said.
He further cautioned MPs not to challenge the Speaker’s authority, urging all members to maintain decorum. Johari’s remarks came as he concluded a briefing by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz on the Malaysia–United States Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) in the Dewan Rakyat.
Johari also reminded MPs to focus on policy issues during the winding-up session of the 2026 Supply Bill (Budget) debate at the policy stage for the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) scheduled for the following day. He advised MPs to channel their questions directly to the minister responsible rather than involving civil servants.
“Tomorrow is the time for the MITI minister to wind up the debate. If you have any questions regarding ART, you may ask the minister then. My reminder is this — you may criticise the minister or deputy minister, but do not drag in civil servants,” he added.
Earlier, the Dewan Rakyat session had grown tense when Tengku Zafrul rebutted claims that the ART could compromise Malaysia’s national sovereignty.
The minister also defended the contributions of civil servants involved in the trade negotiations, following criticism from some opposition MPs.
Tensions rose further when Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, Machang MP from opposition coalition attempted to interject but was stopped by Johari, who reminded MPs that interruptions were not permitted during ministerial briefings.
Before Tengku Zafrul’s presentation, Johari had already outlined clear procedural rules, stating that ministers must be allowed to deliver their speeches without interruptions.
“Let me provide some guidelines. First, I do not allow interruptions — let the minister continue his speech. Second, I will not permit debates as we have a schedule for administrative members, including ministers, to deliver their winding-up speeches,” he said.
Johari’s warning underscores ongoing efforts to preserve parliamentary discipline and ensure that debates remain focused on governance and policy rather than personal attacks on public officials.
