He also commended Adnan for his apology to Tanah Rata assemblyman Leong Ngah Ngah, saying this had set a good example to others.
“Adnan’s act of contrition should be emulated by all politicians in Malaysia, whether in government or opposition, who should nurture the growth of parliamentary democracy with its cut-and-thrust of parliamentary debate.
“It is important that politicians must not take political criticism as personal attacks,” the DAP parliamentary leader said in a statement today.
The verbal dispute between Adnan and Tengku Zulpuri occurred on Nov 22, after Tengku Zulpuri told the assembly that the recent floods in his constituency were due to drainage problems and had nothing to do with beer festivals.
He also said it was wrong to say that floods were divine retribution for beer festivals as floods had also recently happened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
To this, Adnan said: “We are talking about religion… I am upset because he insulted the religion, insulted Allah when he said there were floods in Jeddah although there was no beer festival.”
The two continued to argue and at one point, Adnan apparently challenged Tengku Zulpuri to a fight.
Adnan reportedly said he was willing to create history by brawling in the legislative assembly.
Witnesses said after the speaker adjourned the proceedings, Adnan had also threatened to punch Tengku Zulpuri.
Adnan reportedly directed harsh words at Leong the next day, also during the legislative assembly.
The Pahang menteri besar issued an apology to Leong and Tengku Zulpuri yesterday, saying he had been rude and that his challenge to Tengku Zulpuri to “leave the chambers” was not necessarily an invitation to a physical fight outside the hall.
His apology was accepted by both Tengku Zulpuri and Leong.