Johari also banned the use of the word “derhaka” (treason) during debates, citing Standing Orders 36(2) and 36(7).
“Since this matter falls under Standing Order 36(2) and is currently before the courts, and since the word ‘derhaka’ violates Standing Order 36(7), I will no longer allow anyone to raise this issue.
“Anyone who raises it will face action. Otherwise, this will never end,” he said.
The ban follows the war of words between MPs after opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut) accused those allegedly withholding the royal addendum of being “penderhaka” (traitors).
Earlier, Hamzah questioned whether withholding the addendum amounted to disrespect towards the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the country.
“This is the key issue. If this happens, it would mean the government today is defying the royal decree,” Hamzah said when debating the king’s royal decree today.
This prompted several government MPs, such as Hassan Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) and Taufiq Johari (PH-Sungai Petani), to claim that the “derhaka” accusation was directed at Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“I disagree. The case concerning the addendum decree is still in court and has not been resolved. Such allegations are too harsh and incorrect,” Hassan said.
Taufiq urged Hamzah to retract his statement as there was no basis for labelling Anwar as disrespectful since the king made no statement indicating any disrespect.
On Jan 6, the Court of Appeal, in a split ruling, granted Najib leave to pursue his judicial review application to compel the government to execute a supplementary decree issued by the former king.
The Federal Territories Pardons Board (FTPB) announced on Feb 2 last year that Najib’s prison sentence in his SRC International case had been halved from 12 years to six, and his fine reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million.
The former prime minister is currently serving his jail sentence at Kajang prison.
Najib filed his application for leave in the High Court on April 1. He claimed that the former king, during an FTPB meeting on Jan 29, 2024, also issued a supplementary decree allowing him to serve the remainder of his reduced jail term under house arrest.
He said the FTPB had omitted to announce the terms of the supplementary decree and that the government was in contempt for not complying with it.