Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) today escaped from a date with the Rights and Privileges Committee after intervention by House speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia.

After question-and-answer session this morning, the speaker took Ismail Mohamed Said (BN-Kuala Krau) to task for tabling a motion to refer the Mahfuz to the committee.

parliament pandikar amin anwar ibrahim lim kit siang dap pkr pc 121108 07"Referring an MP to the committee is a major thing because it involves the dignity of the member," said Pandikar (left).

Pandikar then swtiched his attention to Mahfuz and made him explain why he led the “Umno-Apco” chants among Pakatan Rakyat bench yesterday evening.

"When you made the remarks, did you intend to mislead the Dewan?"

Mahfuz replied that there was no intention to slander anyone as claimed by Ismail.

"Umno and Apco both exists. Umno is a political party and Apco is a PR company which has been engaged by the government.

"Based on the words that I uttered yesterday, I never had any intentions to mislead the Dewan."

Pandikar then called upon Kuala Krau to reconsider his motion.

"Kuala Krau, would you agree to withdraw your motion after hearing the explanation from Pokok Sena?"

"I welcome the explanation by Pokok Sena about the meaning of the two words... I move to retract my previous motion to censure Pokok Sena."

'Misplaced aggression'

Pandikar also cautioned the assembled MPs to be more careful in their debates and be less contentious.

"MPs should be careful to reign themselves in and be wary of making un-parliamentary remarks."

 "MPs should be careful to reign themselves and be wary of making un-parliamentary remarks."

"To all the aggressive personalities in the House, I don't have to mention names, you are all well known throughout the land, please tone down your aggressiveness, look for other activities to work out your aggression, not in the Dewan."