Zahid praised Nga after the latter reprimanded a Pakatan Harapan MP.

Nga took RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) to task for disobeying the standing orders after Rayer interrupted Zahid, who was debating the King’s speech, without seeking permission.

“Jelutong, if you want to interject you need to ask for permission. I will be fair to both sides, but now it is the turn of the opposition to speak,” he told Rayer after the DAP politician interrupted Zahid on several occasions.

Rayer’s dissatisfaction with Zahid’s speech stemmed from the latter’s use of the word “munafik” (hypocrite) which Rayer felt was not only rude but was directed at Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Rayer demanded Zahid retract the word which he had used when criticising the PH government over its alleged failure to honour its manifesto pledges.

Zahid had said that “munafik” were those who did not keep their promises or lied.

But when MPs from both sides of the divided got into a war of words, Nga instructed Zahid to explain his comments.

Zahid then explained that the term was directed at those who lied and not to anyone in particular.

But Rayer got up again to protest, insisting it was aimed at Mahathir.

Nga, however, sided with Zahid, saying it was used in general.

This earned him praise from Zahid, who said Nga was fair.

“I’m not saying this because we are neighbours, but because this is an example of a fair deputy speaker,” he said, referring to Nga’s constituency.

Nga is the MP for Teluk Intan, while Zahid is an elected representative for Bagan Datuk, both of which are in Perak.